( CNN ) -- The United Nations has just appointed a new human rights chief -- its first to come from the Arab and Muslim world . The U.N. General Assembly approved Monday the appointment of Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein of Jordan as the new commissioner for human rights , according to a news release from the organization . Zeid currently serves as Jordan 's permanent representative to the U.N . He called his appointment a sign of the international community 's commitment toward human rights in the Middle East , `` as well as in other regions of the world . '' Zeid 's appointment comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East , with Islamic militants making quick strides in Iraq and ongoing sectarian violence in Syria . In the past , he 's been vocal about his country 's refugee problem stemming from the crisis in Syria . He was also instrumental in the U.N. 's establishment of an International Criminal Court . `` My supportive wife told me to enjoy this moment , to soak it all up . After all , she said , you are among friends who you 've known for a very long time , '' Zeid said after representatives ' applause following his appointment . `` Because when you start this job , she added , you may not have them for very long . '' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Zeid earlier this month to replace Navi Pillay of South Africa , who has spoken on many issues , including Syria and the recent crisis in Ukraine . Her predecessors have been from Ecuador , Ireland , Brazil , and Canada .
Ahmed Hussein of was chosen as new human rights commissioner . He is replacing Navi Pillay of South Africa , who 's served in the role since 2009 . He is the first representative from the Arab world to ever serve in the role .