The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has expressed deep disappointment at the planned resignation this year of Mrs Mary Robinson as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mr Brice Dickson, head of the commission, said: "The departure of Mary Robinson from such a key post in the UN will be keenly felt by everyone concerned with human rights internationally.
"Mrs Robinson is a vocal and effective advocate for fundamental social and economic rights - rights that provide a platform to address poverty, nutrition, ill-health and housing.
"She has done much since her appointment in 1997 to ensure that the rights of women, minorities, indigenous people and young people are addressed globally. We will miss her presence at the UN greatly."
Mr Dickson said the Northern Ireland commission was an important institution which promoted and protected the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland and had a good working relationship with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
