A/HRC/10/45
page 4
difference in approach, terminology and methodology from the report of the Secretary-General
(A/63/310) has made comparison of data problematic. While being bound by the resolution of
the General Assembly on this matter, the High Commissioner has, in order to facilitate a
consistent and coherent discussion in the present report, continued to make occasional reference
to the regional methodology used by the Human Rights Council and the Joint Inspection Unit in
the analysis of the geographic diversity of OHCHR.
13. As stated in the plan of action of the High Commissioner (A/59/2005/Add.3, annex),
achieving geographic diversity in OHCHR staff will remain one of her priorities. In line with
that objective, OHCHR has continued to vigorously implement the High Commissioner’s
procedures and framework for improving geographic diversity, which were explained in detail in
the report of the High Commissioner on the composition of the staff of OHCHR, submitted to
the Commission on Human Rights in February 2006 (E/CN.4/2006/103).
14. The impact of the implementation of the above can be seen clearly in the overall
geographic diversity of OHCHR. An analysis of the data contained in the table below, using the
methodology employed by the Joint Inspection Unit, shows that OHCHR has significantly
increased the percentage of staff from regions identified as requiring better representation within
OHCHR over the previous two years.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights by region
Africa
Asia
Latin America and Caribbean
Eastern Europe
Western Europe and other
OHCHR All
31 December 2006
No.
Per cent
44
11.1
47
11.9
38
9.6
13
3.3
253
64.1
395
100
OHCHR All
31 December 2007
No.
Per cent
55
13.1
53
12.6
50
11.9
20
4.8
241
57.5
419
100
OHCHR All
31 December 2008
No.
Per cent
64
13.9
61
13.3
53
11.5
23
5.0
259
56.3
460
100
15. This underlines the issue of what constitutes a successful geographical balance for the
OHCHR. It is important to note that, while being criticized for its geographical imbalance,
OHCHR has yet to receive any indication of what would be considered an appropriate level of
representation for each region, apart from the General Assembly mandated system of desirable
ranges.
16. OHCHR will continue to vigorously implement the High Commissioner’s procedures and
framework for improving geographic diversity (E/CN.4/2006/103), which have, to date, proven
effective. It is anticipated that the current positive geographic trends will continue during the
current biennium as OHCHR will endeavour to maximize the opportunity afforded by its
continued growth to further increase geographic diversity.
17. OHCHR is confident that a number of other initiatives will continue to enhance its
geographic diversity.
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