The United Nations honors Halima Al-Warzazi in recognition of her leadership in diplomacy and multilateral work
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva has posthumously honored Moroccan Halima Al-Warzazi, the dean of African diplomats, in recognition of her distinguished career in diplomacy and multilateral work.
During the celebration of the first International Women’s Day in Diplomacy, organized as part of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif stated that Al-Warzazi, alongside Beatriz Herrera from Uruguay, represents prominent female figures who dedicated their lives to defending human rights and serving in multilateral diplomacy during periods when this field was predominantly male.
This tribute comes forty days after Al-Warzazi’s passing on May 14, cementing her status as one of the first African women to hold positions of responsibility within United Nations bodies, including chairing the Third Committee of the General Assembly, serving on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and on the Subcommittee on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, in addition to her role on the Council of the International Institute of Human Rights.
At the Palace of Nations in Geneva, a photographic exhibition showcasing Al-Warzazi’s journey was inaugurated under the title “Trailblazing Women in Multilateral Work and Diplomacy,” which will run until July 4.
This event marks the first official commemoration of International Women’s Day in Diplomacy, aimed at emphasizing the importance of removing barriers for women to achieve leadership roles in peace processes. This day was established based on Human Rights Council Resolution 58/15 during its previous session, initiated by Morocco with support from a core group of countries including Chile, the Maldives, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, and Mauritius.
In her address, Al-Nashif highlighted the existing disparities in the representation of women in senior diplomatic positions despite their vital roles in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, urging member states to enhance women’s participation and achieve gender parity in decisions related to peace and security.
Similarly, the core group coordinated by Morocco underscored the necessity of recognizing women’s pivotal roles in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and disaster response, as well as their active participation in multilateral decision-making mechanisms, particularly in the Human Rights Council. They called for tangible actions to empower women and ensure their equal and leadership presence across all fields.
