In March 2024, Najla Nassif Palma was appointed as the Victims’ Rights Advocate for the United Nations. She succeeds Jane Connors of Australia, who was the Organization’s first Victims’ Rights Advocate.
As Victims’ Rights Advocate, Ms. Nassif Palma will work to further the United Nations' commitment to putting the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse at the forefront of its prevention and response efforts.
She brings to the role 25 years of experience as a civilian federal prosecutor of military crimes and violence against women, where she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the military and civilian justice systems, implementing international humanitarian law, and ensuring a comprehensive approach to combating sexual exploitation and abuse. Her holistic vision will guide the United Nations’ prevention and response initiatives, to ensure they remain victim-centered and effective.