COMMENT: Corruption and influence peddling continues in DESA (ESCD/Nikhil Seth)

 In this Connection, two other issues can be raised as well: 

(i) where is the "checks and balances" in the UN for appointments and promotions? Shouldn't someone in OHRM have caught and stopped what was going on? Afterall, OHRM is supposed to look after the rules and procedures for competency based appointments and to ensure decisions are made within the set principles. If accountability is not demanded and excercised what is the reason for DESA or any other part of the UN to hesitate before they go for nepotism or favoritism? 

(ii) This selection could also signal an internal DESA desire to make sure that the NGO section remains weak as that will keep the NGOs away from ECOSOC. Thoughout its history the NGO Section was never headed by someone competent in civil society matters and has had a horrible reputation among the NGOs most of whom would like to avoid it if they can. With a weak NGO Section, ECOSOC sessions need not be bothered with a strong NGO presence, asking too many questions, influencing decisions through their lobbying and advocacy and just making the session way too "difficult".