Rights groups oppose UAE’s Lana Nusseibeh for UN chief over Sudan claims

Rights organizations have warned that the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) diplomat, Lana Nusseibeh, poses too great a risk to be appointed as the next United Nations secretary general. Nominated by the UAE to replace Antonio Guterres, Nusseibeh's candidacy has faced strong opposition due to the country's alleged complicity in genocide in Sudan and its support for other genocidal actors.

Nusseibeh, a former UN ambassador and current minister of state at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has consistently denied her country's involvement in the alleged genocide. However, rights groups argue that her leadership would undermine the UN's moral standing and human rights record. Former UN special envoy Kenneth Roth called Nusseibeh a "genocide denier" and a "criminal accomplice" in Sudan's alleged genocide.

Kate Ferguson, co-executive director of UK-based Protection Approaches, described Nusseibeh's bid as "autocratic capture" of the UN, warning that it would leave all nations less secure.

The UAE's support for the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Israel has drawn criticism. RSF has been accused of genocide in Sudan, while Israel has faced its own allegations of genocide in Gaza. The US government has determined that RSF committed genocide in February 2025, leading to sanctions on several companies linked to the UAE.

In return for US support, the UAE has reportedly received significant military and economic aid from Washington, including over $2 billion in military deliveries since 2025 and a $6.4 billion trade agreement.

Rights groups argue that Nusseibeh's ties to the UAE and its involvement in the Sudanese conflict make her an unsuitable candidate for the UN leadership position. They call for her disqualification and urge the UN to prioritize moral integrity and human rights leadership over political considerations or foreign influence.