Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and a renowned South African lawyer, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of peace, justice, and reconciliation in some of the world’s most challenging regions.
Haysom was the chief legal advisor to former president Nelson Mandela until 1999 and played an instrumental role in developing South Africa’s Constitution, as noted on the South African Government website.
Legacy of a Peacemaker
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sadness at Haysom’s passing, describing him as a “tireless peacemaker and steadfast champion of the values of the United Nations”. Haysom devoted his life to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation, and his career was defined by a commitment to democratic governance, constitutional and electoral reforms, and supporting peace processes in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Haysom’s family, friends, former colleagues, and his associates across the African continent and within the United Nations, praising Haysom’s dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Key Achievements
- Instrumental role in developing South Africa’s Constitution
- Chief legal advisor to former president Nelson Mandela
- Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
- Special representative and head of UN Missions in Somalia and Afghanistan
As the country observes Human Rights Month, Ramaphosa paid tribute to Haysom’s unwavering dedication to human rights, saying “We pay tribute to Fink for his dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people in all the parts of the world where his guidance was deeply respected and sought-after”.
