Former Chilean Prez Michelle Bachelet nominated to be next UN human rights chief

Washington: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has chosen former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to be the next human rights chief of the world body.

The nomination came after High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein stepped down from the post, choosing not to seek another term in office. Bachelet's nomination will now go to the UN General Assembly for approval.

UN Secretary-general spokesman Farhan Haq said that Guterres has informed the General Assembly of the nomination for high commissioner of human rights, reported Fox News.

Chile's first woman president, Bachelet served the post twice- 2006-10 and 2014-18. After serving the first term as president, she was appointed the first executive director of the newly created United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

A physician with studies in military strategy, Bachelet, is also a separated mother of three.