Rita Reddy

I have nearly 23 years of experience in human rights in the UN system, with over 18 years in progressively responsible senior management positions with UNHCR ,OHCHR, and DPKO, reaching the Director level with OHCHR from 1998-2001 and DPKO 2013-2014. During this period I have acquired considerable knowledge and experience of the United Nations system promoting human rights law and standards and national human rights institutions. During the twenty three years of work with the United Nations I have worked with senior government policy makers within governments and in particular with the judiciary, parliamentarians, national human rights institutions and law enforcement agencies; civil society, non-governmental organizations, research; development, programme and project planning, strategy development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation and impact evaluation.

Whilst working as the Director, United Nations Cambodia Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (COHCHR) and the Special Representative for the High Commissioner for Human rights on Trafficking of Women and Children in the Asia Pacific Region from 1999 to 2001, I was responsible for the establishment of regional and national human rights standards and norms. Promoted regional cooperation on trafficking of women and children in the Asia Pacific region and the rights of women and children. Promoting the establishment of regional and national standards and norms based on the international standards and norms of human rights of women and children particularly in the area of trafficking. Ensuring that the international human rights norms and standards are integrated in the regional processes. Translating international legal standards and norms, conventions and treaties into policies and legislative framework at the national level and assisting Member States ( the Government, Parliament, Judiciary, Military and Police) in implementing those international standards and norms.

Established close links and a dialogue with regional groupings such as the SAARC and ASEAN and in particular the SAARC Regional Secretariat and the ASEAN Regional Secretariat and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) with a view to the integration of international standards and norms of human rights relating to trafficking, women and children within the policies and activities of the SAARC, ASEAN and the ARF Secretariats and States. Promoted the development of regional normative legal frameworks, for the prevention of trafficking of women and children and the protection of victims of trafficking. In 2002, SAARC adopted a SAARC Convention on the Prevention of Trafficking of Women and Children for Sexual Exploitation.

Further undertook Political Analysis; Institutional Capacity Building; Reform of Judicial and Legal services and promotion of Rule of Law provided political and human rights analysis and supervision and oversight of the preparation of substantive country reports to the Commission of Human Rights; promoted human rights in Cambodia through the development and implementation of human rights programme and policies in cooperation with other UN organizations, inter-governmental organizations, bilateral assistance programmes, foundations and NGOs. Promoting good governance, democratic institutions, rule of law, justice sector reforms, gender equality and the political participation of women; assisted the Government of Cambodia to reform the justice system, promote rule of law and justice, tackle impunity to the establishment of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal and in implementing its obligations under the international standards and norms established under the UN human rights instruments, General Assembly resolutions and Human Rights Commission resolutions. Assisted the Government of Cambodia to identify their needs for advisory and technical cooperation; preparation for the first Asian Parliamentarians for Peace Conference including the preparation of the First Asian Charter on Human Rights. Prepared for the Regional (ASEAN) Inter- Ministerial Meeting for the adoption of a Regional Convention against Trafficking of Persons. Working with OLA, preparation for and putting in place the policy and structure for the establishment of a criminal tribunal to try war crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Whilst working as the Chief, Activities and Programmes Branch, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). I was responsible for Political and Policy Analysis; Strategy and Programme Development; Institutional Capacity Building for promotion of Human Rights and the Rule of Law; political and human rights analysis; strategy development and implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in relation to the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (ie. coordination, protection and promotion of human rights globally) for the OHCHR and for all of the Field Presences which numbered twenty three; promotion of the realization of human rights (civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights) in operational areas of technical cooperation, regional, sub-regional and national institution building, field operations at regional and national level and through the Human Rights Special Procedures and Thematic Mechanisms. Translating and integrating international legal standards and norms into national policies and legislative frameworks. Assisting Member States implement those standards and norms. Promoting the development of good governance, rule of law, justice sector reforms and democratic institutions, Planning and development of policy and strategy for new human rights operations in the field. Providing operational support for opening up new field presences.

Having successfully lead a team of 113 staff in DPKO and 278 staff in OHCHR , which in themselves are complex organizations, I have the ability to provide effective leadership, make mature reasoned and objective judgment; provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure and build consensus to maximize productivity and achieve established goals. I also have the ability to identify appropriate policy and programme priorities, create strategic partnerships, assess the skills, time and resources needed to accomplish tasks.