The UN’s top human rights official has announced she’s stepping down. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has been openly critical of the Bush administration’s so-called war on terror during her four-year term. Arbour says she wasn’t pressured to resign but wants to spend more time with her family. In Geneva, Doru Costea of the UN Human Rights Council praised Arbour’s tenure.

Doru Costea: “Your tireless efforts as head of the most important executive body in the UN system in the field of human rights and your able leadership have made a difference. Your relentless endeavor and personal commitment have been addressed and geared primarily towards those in need, wherever in the world this may be. I thank you for giving a voice to the voiceless.”

During her run, Arbour has angered leaders of countries including the US, Israel, China, Russia and Zimbabwe for her criticism of their policies.