Mary Robinson will continue to work to secure global human rights when her appointment as UN human rights commissioner ends in September.

Speaking to BBC World Service she reinforced her decision not to seek another term in the UN office, but explained how her moral compass will continue to guide her.

"Since about the age of five, I have had a strong sense of justice," she told the Everywoman programme.

"When I leave this office I will be looking for ways to try to create political will, to give more resources to developing countries to try to build up their own capacity in human rights."

Anger

Having acknowledged that her outspoken views on civil liberties have made her an "outsider" and an "awkward voice", Mrs Robinson explained that she would be happy to "take a backseat" later this year.

Outspoken: Mrs Robinson claims to be a "lateral" thinker

She maintained the direct approach for which she has become famous and reinforced her continued belief in the need for global equality.

"After five years in this job I would say that I'm angrier about the divides in our world."

I am more aware than I was five years ago," she explained.

"I thought I knew then and I didn't. I didn't know about the extent of torture, I didn't know many of the things that now are burning issues."

Understanding

Mrs Robinson recognised the impact that the events of 11 September 2001 and their aftermath have had on global human rights.

She said that while she acknowledged the world should unite in the war against terrorism, humanitarian standards must be maintained.

"By far the best way to combat terrorism is to hold to the standards of human rights and international humanitarian law," she asserted.

"It helps that I am a woman and I'm very practical"

Mary Robinson

Stressing the need for understanding she added that the world community should "treat refugees and asylum seekers with respect."

She said that we should "understand their position and address the divides in our world which have given rise to hatred."

Practical

Appointed in 1997, the former Irish president was only the second High Commissioner for Human Rights - the post was created in 1994 - but she has turned the office into one of the most high profile departments within the UN.

Attributing her success to her gender, Mrs Robinson said, "it helps that I am a woman. I can think laterally and I'm very practical."

Such a methodical approach will, she explained, continue to drive her work.

"I like to see what difference can be made to a particular context.

I link a small difference here to lots of other things that are happening and make a bigger frame and make that frame move along."