By: ATN News
UNHQ-New York: Today the UN General Assembly chose eighteen fresh members for the Human Rights Council for the terms 2025–2027. With 18 available and 19 candidates running for the elections held in New York, the Asia-Pacific Group dominated the competition mostly. Saudi Arabia was the only nation to lose their application for a seat.
The nations chosen to serve for two years are **Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland,** and **Thailand**.
Based in Geneva, the Human Rights Council is charged with advancing and safeguarding human rights around the world, so addressing concerns including gender equality, freedom of expression, and the rights of minority groups. Comprising 47 member states, the council assigns seats to regional groups.
Strong Competition Within the Asia-Pacific Group
Only the Asia-Pacific Group had a contested race among regional groups. Six countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Thailand, Republic of Korea, North Macedonia, and a last-minute applicant—competed for five open seats. Saudi Arabia eventually missed a slot while the other five countries were chosen. Critics pointed to mounting global criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record as a potential contributing cause for her disappearance.
Variable Representation
Representing Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific area, the recently elected members show a great geographical diversity. Every new member will be instrumental in tackling continuing worldwide human rights issues including protection of civilian populations in conflict areas, climate justice, and indigenous peoples' rights.
Implications of the Elections
Given that Saudi Arabia has come under increasing global criticism over its human rights policies, including those pertaining to freedom of expression, the treatment of women, and the situation of political dissidents, its inability to get a seat is noteworthy. This outcome is expected to be felt in diplomatic circles and might force Riyadh to review its human rights policies.
Beginning in January 2025, these recently appointed members will support the Council's initiatives, so influencing debates and decisions affecting the state of human rights worldwide.
Promoting worldwide human rights standards and correcting violations mostly depends on the Human Rights Council. The newly formed Council will still have major difficulties in a fast changing global environment given members from a wide spectrum of political systems and cultural backgrounds.
Comments