The decision by Mrs Mary Robinson not to remain in her post as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights after September has been described as "a poor reflection on the UN" by GOAL.
The director of the Irish relief and development agency, Mr John O'Shea, claimed that the departure of Mrs Robinson would be a "terrible loss" to poor and oppressed people throughout the world.
"She is one of the precious few people on the international scene today who have the courage and the convictions to speak up for the many millions of people who are being denied their basic human rights. She is also one of the very few who were almost universally respected for her forthright views.
Mr O’Shea said that it was a disgrace that she should have been forced to take her decision because of the lack of support form the UN for her role.
"It is sad that a woman of such courage and dignity who was not afraid to speak up and expose human rights abuses wherever she found them should be left without the resources to fulfil her important role.
"Whatever the outcome I am confident that Mrs Robinson will continue to be an advocate for the poor and the disenfranchised of this troubled world. It would be an utter tragedy if their greatest ally were to be silenced," he said.