The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, has congratulated Michelle Bachelet on her election as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“On behalf of the IPI global network of editors and journalists, I wish to congratulate Ms Bachelet on her appointment as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights”, IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said in a statement. “IPI looks forward to supporting Ms. Bachelet in serving her mandate during these very trying times, where respect for and adherence to human rights is fast eroding around the world.”

Bachelet, a former president of Chile and the first executive director of UN Women, was nominated for the position by the U.N.’s secretary general to replace outgoing high commissioner, Zeid bin Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein, who in December 2017 announced he would not seek a second term, citing weakening commitment to human rights by countries that have historically been important supporters. She was elected (appointed) on Wednesday, August 8, and will begin her four-year term on September 1.

In the statement Trionfi expressed hope that Bachelet would take up the issue of shrinking press freedom in countries around the world.

“As a champion of human rights, especially of women’s rights, Ms Bachelet will be able to defend press freedom and the rights of journalists, which are currently under siege in many countries”, she said. “Women journalists all over the world are facing unprecedented online harassment as a consequence of their journalistic work. As the human rights commissioner Ms Bachelet can prevail upon governments and social media companies to take steps in curtailing it, and so promoting a free environment for independent journalism.”

IPI has been campaigning for press freedom and safety of journalists since it was set up in 1950. Currently based in Vienna, the network regularly undertakes press freedom missions to countries where media freedom is under threat.