Interview by Carole Vann, Michel Bührer/Human Rights Tribune – The 54-year old Uhomoibhi, Nigeria’s ambassador in Geneva, reveals himself to be cordial and open albeit with a sometimes moralizing message. He speaks in a polished, wide ranging discourse about harmony – something that will soon be put to the test

The Human Rights Council continues to function in blocs – whether Islamic, Western, Latino or African – just as the former Commission. What do you think about this ?

We cannot work in a hostile environment. We must build trust and confidence. This is what my presidency is all about. It so happens that the world is not what you or I make of it. It is what it is – by definition complex, different, diverse and beautiful. I do not see the existence of blocs that you or I can do anything about because people are separated by geography: Europe, Asia, Africa. I don’t see blocs by definition as antagonistic. In practice they might be seen to be working differently but that is the challenge with together we an all work together to reconcile. The President must assume responsibility for building consensus and I will try to work across regions.

Last year the African bloc split over Darfur with some countries criticizing Sudan. They took a risk in doing so. Doesn’t this indicate that the system of blocs is putting at a disadvantage the more vulnerable?

These blocs are voluntary blocs. At times it works for you, at times not. There are many African states that don’t have the means to have a mission in Geneva. Those that do may only have one or two persons in their mission. These diplomats cannot follow (every meeting of the various international organizations in Geneva) so for this reason the group speaks in their name. Sometimes it does not work well. In that sense, you win some, you lose some.

Many African and Asian countries would like to do away with the country Special Rapporteurs on the grounds that it is double work with the Council’s new tool, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). What do you think?

You say that there are many countries, but I don’t think so. Special Rapporteurs have a great role to play. We must work to increase their ability to play this role. But Special Rapporteurs must also be credible and they must work with governments. It takes creativity and resourcefulness.

Your country has a sorry record with regard to human rights: widespread corruption, flawed elections, torture etc. When you were elected Council President you said “States undoubtedly bear the primary responsibility to protect and promote human rights.” That’s a sharp criticism of your own government.

Let’s be humble and modest. I don’t know what your sources are but I live in Nigeria and if you will be humble and listen to what I say about my country, I would appreciate it. Nigeria has human rights problems just like every country on earth, even I’m sure your own. But we are making progress and we are working hard. I hope that people will be humble and not put themselves on a high pedestal to judge others. The fact that my country faces challenges does not mean I do not have the right to speak about human rights and I hope that is not what you are saying.

Islamic countries have put the subject of Islamophobia high on their agenda in recent months. Other countries say the Council should defend individuals, not religion. What is your position.

Member states are sovereign. They have the right to say whatever they want, the same as you, as a human being with the right to express one’s own ideas. What we are trying to do in the Council is to put these divergent points of view together, whether they are Islamic or not and to try and construct a global and humane family.

But according to you, should the Human Rights Council defend religions or individuals?

No subject is taboo in the Council. Everything that touches on human rights ought to be discussed in total openness. Some believe that to address one subject authorizes them to abuse another. Debates must take place with mutual respect.

The (2001) Durban Conference on racism has been criticized for becoming an anti-Israeli forum. As the Council is responsible for the Durban follow-up, which will take place in Geneva in 2009, how will you prevent a repetition of this next year?

You can criticize Durban but that doesn’t negate the positive aspects of the conference. Racism, xenophobia, intolerance, discrimination and slavery were dealt with. So don’t look at it from a single point of view. Let’s not be so selective. Just because one person or one state takes offense shouldn’t mean that we don’t discuss certain subjects.

A tacit rule in the UN is that one shouldn’t occupy two high level positions at the same time. You are also President of the General Assembly of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). How will you fulfill these two demanding positions given that they happen at the same time?

A tacit rule is not a rule. What can I say? These positions are unpaid, therefore I do not receive two salaries (laughs). These positions were granted in recognition of my record through a democratic process. I hope that, by the grace of God, I shall be able to discharge both functions.

Translated from French by Pamela Taylor