"To be re-elected in my job would be to fail." Those words, spoken by Jordanian Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in an interview last month, reveal the paradox that makes his job virtually impossible.
The UN high commissioner for human rights – who serves his last day on Friday – endeared himself to the human rights world over four years, with his candour and unflinching commitment to the voiceless.
But in doing so, Mr Al Hussein became the bete noire of world powers, particularly those that comprise the UN Security Council – the all-powerful “pentarchy” in his words – who might well take pleasure in his departure. “To the intolerant, I’m sort of a global nightmare, elected by all governments, yet critic of almost all,” he noted.
In an internal email last December, Mr Al Hussein, wrote that seeking re-election “might involve bending a knee in supplication”. It spoke to his reputation for calling out abuses in all quarters. Indeed, Mr Al Hussein has likened US president Donald Trump and Hungary’s Viktor Orban to “demagogues” and suggested Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte seek “psychiatric evaluation”.
Unsurprisingly, insults have trickled in the other direction; Venezuela branded him “a resounding failure”, while Mr Duterte was rather more vulgar in his assessment.
These badges Mr Al Hussein appeared to wear with pride, convinced that there is no honour to be found in silence.
But therein lies the problem – and one that ultimately spelled his departure. The more Mr Al Hussein called out abuse, the more he alienated those he was tasked with reining in.
In his first act as high commissioner, he reportedly refused to share his remarks with ambassadors in advance. But the UN’s complex bureaucracy tends to isolate those who do not follow its rules, while world powers do not take kindly to being blindsided.
Declaring his candidacy for the job earlier this year, the UN’s special rapporteur for torture Nils Melzer wrote: “The next high commissioner must understand that defending human rights is not about attacking governments.”
On Saturday, it is Michelle Bachelet who will assume the mantle. As the former president of Chile, she is popular and experienced in diplomatic circles. Having served as the chief of UN Women, she knows the UN inside out. And as a torture victim herself, at the hands of the Pinochet regime, she can empathise more than most.
Yet almost 70 years on from its signing, some fear the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is moribund. Resurgent across the world are the forces of populism and xenophobia against which Mr Al Hussein endlessly clashed.
In Ms Bachelet, the world’s most oppressed people will have a courageous defender. But her success will depend on whether she can find the equilibrium between blame and co-operation that ultimately eluded Mr Al Hussein.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
match info
Chelsea 2
Willian (13'), Ross Barkley (64')
Liverpool 0
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Results
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner No Riesgo Al Maury, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Marwa W’Rsan, Sam Hitchcott, Jaci Wickham.
6pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Dahess D’Arabie, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi.
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner Safin Al Reef, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m
Winner Thulbaseera Al Jasra, Shakir Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 80,000 2,200m
Winner Autumn Pride, Szczepan Mazur, Helal Al Alawi.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association