European body slams Todt's UN role appointment

Todt was appointed to the role by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last month to "assist the UN Secretary General in mobilizing sustained political commitment towards road safety."

The FEVR, which is a United Nations Road Safety Collaboration member, offers support to road crash victims by providing "free emotional, practical and juridical assistance mainly through member associations".

FEVR said in a statement on Monday it was "shocked" and "disappointed" to learn about Todt's appointment.

"FEVR was shocked to learn at the end of last week that UN General Secretary has nominated Mr. Jean Todt, president of the FIA – International Automobile Federation - as special UN Envoy for Road Safety," it said.

"With this appointment, we believe a wrong signal is being sent to the world, and especially NGO's working for safer roads and justice for road crash victims, which will be detrimental to tackling 'the global road safety crisis'.

"Happening as it did, just three days before the start of the 3rd UN Road Safety week, dedicated to saving children's lives, we were extremely disappointed to hear the news.

"FEVR has now been left with no alternative, but to formally dissociate itself from this appointment.

"Mr Todt may well do a good job in his domain, the racing industry, but is for us road victims not the right personality to be a credible neutral advocate for all road users, particularly the most vulnerable - pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.

"FEVR is not against cars, we also have to use them sometimes. We are also not against racing in closed circuits.

"We are further very much in favour of ensuring that the safety features, which are so effective in cars sold in Europe, are extended to all cars sold in developing countries. But we are against this appointment."