The United Nations (UN) Secretary – General, Ban Ki Mon has appointed the President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Saro Pyagbara as a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Indigenous Peoples.
The appointment, which was made in recognition of the MOSOP leader’s expertise in the field of indigenous rights and the significant contributions he has made on indigenous issues, covers the period January 1, 2015 – 31st December, 2017.
Inaugurating the Board in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Husseein charged the five-man board to continue to deplore their acknowledged expertise to ensuring that the objectives of the Fund were achieved.
Speaking after the inauguration ceremony, the MOSOP President commended the United Nations for finding him worthy of the appointment and promised not to let the UN and the indigenous peoples around the world down. He as well pledged to discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.
MOSOP, in a statement signed by Bari-ara Kpalap, Media/Public Affairs Advisor to the MOSOP President, expressed profound appreciation of the UN gesture, which it said is undoubtedly a reflection of recognition for diligence, passion and commitment to the cause of indigenous peoples.
It pledged her support and cooperation with efforts by the world body to ensure peace, equity, fairness and justice in the world.
The Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Indigenous Peoples was established through resolution 40/131 of 13 December, 1985 of the UN General Assembly.
The resolution requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Board of Trustees of five members with relevant experience on issues affecting indigenous peoples for three years renewable term.
They are to advise the Secretary-General on the administration of the Fund and also deal with other objectives of the Fund.
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