A Special Representative of the Secretary-General is a highly respected expert who has been appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to represent them in meetings with heads of state on critical human rights issues. The representatives can carry out country visits to investigate alleged violations of human rights and act as negotiators on behalf of the United Nations.

Current Special Representatives

Special Representatives active include: * Virginia Gamba de Potgieter,

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Special or specials may refer to: Policing * Specials, Ulster Special Constabulary, the Northern Ireland police force * Specials, Special Constable, an auxiliary, volunteer, or temporary; police worker or police officer Literature * ''Specia ...

(SRSG/CAAC), appointed 12 April 2017 * Natalia Gherman, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, appointed 15 September 2017 * Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), appointed 15 January 2021 * Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), appointed 31 August 2018 * Alexander Ivanko,

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara (SRSG) is appointed by the Secretary-General to lead the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). List of Special Representatives Controversy At ...

and Head of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), appointed 27 August 2021 * Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the

United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or MONUSCO, an acronym based on its French name , is a United Nations peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which was estab ...

(MONUSCO), appointed 14 January 2021 * Helen Ruth Meagher La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), appointed 14 October 2019 * Najat Maalla M'jid,

Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children Special or specials may refer to: Policing * Specials, Ulster Special Constabulary, the Northern Ireland police force * Specials, Special Constable, an auxiliary, volunteer, or temporary; police worker or police officer Literature * ''Specia ...

(SRSG/VAC), appointed 30 May 2019 * Annadif Mahamat Saleh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, appointed 26 March 2021 * Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), appointed 31 January 2018 * Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for

Sustainable Energy for All Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization working in partnership with the United Nations, leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions and civil society with as goal to drive further, faster action ...

(SEforALL), appointed October 2019 * Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union, appointed 22 February 2022 * Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG/SVC), appointed 12 April 2017 * Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), appointed 7 January 2021 * Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) * Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, appointed 10 December 2018 * Colin Stewart, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and Deputy to the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, appointed 4 November 2021 * James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), appointed 30 May 2019 *

El Ghassim Wane EL, El or el may refer to: Religion * El (deity), a Semitic word for "God" People * EL (rapper) (born 1983), stage name of Elorm Adablah, a Ghanaian rapper and sound engineer * El DeBarge, music artist * El Franco Lee (1949–2016), American ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, appointed 15 March 2021 * Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), appointed November 2021

Deputy Special Representatives

* Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), appointed 28 August 2019 *

Ramiz Alakbarov Ramiz, Rameez or Rhomeez / ( ar, رامز ) is an Arabic masculine given name meaning "one who communicates well", "wise", "noble", or "intelligent".{{cite book, title=A Dictionary of Muslim Names, author= S. A. Rahman, publisher=Goodword Books ...

, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, appointed 21 December 2020 * Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), appointed 25 June 2020 * Denise Brown, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic, appointed 21 March 2019 * Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) for South Sudan and Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), appointed 24 March 2020 * Lizbeth Anne Cullity, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Head for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), appointed 8 January 2020 * Khassim Diagne, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), appointed 26 January 2021 * Barrie Lynne Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), appointed 22 December 2020 *

Anita Kiki Gbeho Anita Kiki Gbeho (born 1964) is a Ghanaian United Nations official who has been the Deputy Special Envoy for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) since 2020. Early life and education Gbeho was born in Accra, Ghana. Her fathe ...

, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), appointed 30 December 2020 * Daniela Kroslak, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), appointed 7 January 2022 * Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, appointed 18 January 2022 * Khardiata Lô N'Diaye, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan with the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, appointed 18 February 2021 *

Alain Noudéhou Alain Noudéhou (born 1966) is a Beninese diplomat who has been serving as Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Resident Coordinator in Mali since 2021, servin ...

, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, appointed 28 April 2021 *

Sara Beysolow Nyanti Sara Frances Beysolow Nyanti (born 1968) is an international development expert and Liberian pastor. She has more than 20 years of professional experience. She has been a United Nations Assistant Secretary General since December 2021. Early life a ...

, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, appointed 6 December 2021 * Markus Potzel, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), appointed 17 June 2022 * Ingeborg Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, appointed 12 May 2022 *

Raúl Rosende Rodriguez Raul, Raúl and Raül are the Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Galician, Asturian, Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan forms of the Anglo-Germanic given name Ralph or Rudolph. They are cognates of the French Raoul. Raul, Raúl or Raül may r ...

, Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, appointed 15 March 2022 * Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, appointed 2 July 2020

Former Special Representatives

Some of the former Special Representatives include: * Martti Ahtisaari, United Nations Commissioner for Namibia (1 January 1977–1 April 1982); Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) (April 1989–March 1990) *

Jean Arnault Jean Arnault is a French diplomat who currently serves as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres' Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues. Early life and education Arnault studied Philosophy, Linguistics and Political Scienc ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Guatemala and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) (1997–2000); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Burundi and Head of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) (2000–2001); Special Representative of the Secretary General in Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) (2004–2006), Deputy Special Representative (2002–2003); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia and Head of the

United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia The United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) was established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 858 in August 1993 to verify compliance with a 27 July 1993 ceasefire agreement between the Republic of Georgia and forces in Abk ...

(UNOMIG) (2006–2008); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (July 2017–December 2018) * José Victor da Silva Ângelo, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (31 January 2008–31 December 2010) * Louise Arbour, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International Migration (9 March 2017–31 December 2018) *

Zainab Bangura Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura (; born 18 December 1959) is a Sierra Leonean politician and social activist who has been serving as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) since 2018, appointed by United Nations Secretary-Ge ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (22 June 2012–12 April 2017) *

Natalio Ecarma III Natalio Cabili Ecarma III (born June 3, 1955) is a Filipino General who recently served as Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense (Philippines), Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines. He is known for being ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) is a United Nations peacekeeping mission tasked with maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The mission was established by United ...

in the Golan Heights (10 March 2010–13 August 2013) * Yash Ghai, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for

human rights in Cambodia The human rights situation in Cambodia is facing growing criticisms both within the country and from an increasingly alarmed international community. After a series of flagrant violations against basic human rights a feeling of incertitude regardi ...

(1 November 2005–2008) *

Julian Harston Julian Harston (born 20 October 1942 in Nairobi, Kenya), son of Colonel Clive Harston, King's African Rifles, is an independent consultant on International Peace and Security matters. He retired as an Assistant Secretary-General in the United N ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti (1997–1999); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara; Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) (1999–April 2001); Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade (March–November 2009) *

Sukehiro Hasegawa is a Japanese academic, educator, author and administrator. He served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Timor-Leste and head of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, UNMISET, UNOTIL and UNMIT fro ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor and Head of the

United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor The United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET) lasted from 20 May 2002 to 20 May 2005, when it was replaced by United Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL). It was established when East Timor became an internationally recognised ind ...

(UNMISET) and the United Nations Office in East Timor (21 May 2004–September 2006) *

Hina Jilani Hina Jilani ( ur, حنا جیلانی ؛ born 19 December 1953) is an advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and a human-rights activist from Lahore in Punjab. She is the founder of Pakistan’s first all-women law firm, Pakistan’s firs ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Human Rights Defenders (2000–2008) *

Michael Keating Michael, Mike or Mickey Keating may refer to: Politics * Michael Keating (Irish politician) (born 1946), Fine Gael then Progressive Democrats TD from Dublin * Michael Keating (Manitoba politician) * Michael Keating (political scientist) (born 1950) ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) (23 November 2015–1 October 2018) * Jacques Paul Klein, Special Representative of the Secretary General for the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) (2001–2003); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for United Nations Mission in Liberia (2003–2005) *

Bernard Kouchner Bernard Kouchner KBE (born 1 November 1939) is a French politician and doctor. He is the co-founder of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Médecins du Monde. From 2007 until 2010, he was the French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo (15 July 1999–12 January 2001) *

Deborah Lyons Deborah Lyons is a Canadian diplomat, formerly Canada's ambassador to Israel. Before that she was Canada's ambassador to Afghanistan. She was the head of mission at the Embassy of Canada, Kabul. She was the only female ambassador in Kabul. On J ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) (24 March 2020–16 June 2022) * Ian Martin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of

United Nations Mission in Nepal The United Nations Mission in Nepal or UNMIN was a special political mission in Nepal, established by the UN Security Council in January 2007 through resolution 174040 (2007) to assist in implementing key aspects of the Comprehensive Peace Agreem ...

(2006–2009); Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the

United Nations Support Mission in Libya The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is a United Nations (UN) advanced mission in Libya, created in the aftermath of the Libyan Civil War. UNSMIL is a political mission, not a military mission. The main elements of its mandate def ...

(11 September 2011–14 October 2012) *

Ad Melkert Adrianus Petrus Wilhelmus "Ad" Melkert (; born 12 February 1956) is a Dutch politician and diplomat of the Labour Party (PvdA) who has served as a Member of the Council of State since 20 January 2016. Melkert studied Political science at the U ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (7 July 2009–1 October 2011) * David Nabarro, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Food Security and Nutrition (2009–2017) * Jan Pronk, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) (1 July 2004–10 December 2006) * John Reedman, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Palestine () * John Ruggie, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (2005–2011) *

William L. Swing William Lacy Swing (September 11, 1934 – June 12, 2021) was a diplomat and former United States Ambassador, and United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Under Secretary General. He was the Director-General of the In ...

, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara and Head of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (2001–2003); Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (May 2003–January 2008) * Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International Migration (12 January 2006–9 March 2017) * Sérgio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo (13 June 1999–15 July 1999); Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor (December 1999–May 2002); and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq (2003–2004) * Mohamed Sahnoun, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Operation in Somalia I (UNOSOM I) (April–November 1992) * Abdallah Wafy, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2013–2015) * Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (January 2018–February 2021)

Special Advisers

Juan E. Méndez Juan E. Méndez (born December 11, 1944) is an Argentine lawyer, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and human rights activist known for his work on behalf of political ...

, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide

References

{{Reflist

External links