HL Deb 25 October 2000 vol 618 cc40-1WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the criteria by which they believe the appointment of the next High Commissioner for Refugees should be made; and what representations they have made in this respect. [HL4194]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

We believe the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees should be a forceful advocate on behalf of refugees and other displaced persons; have the leadership and managerial skills to accelerate work on improving UNHCR's performance and reinvigorating the organisation; and be receptive to the concerns of receiving countries about misuse of the asylum system.

We have informed the UN Secretary-General of our views.