Nepal tops Asia-Pacific list of nations elected to UNHRC, Pakistan also makes it

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today elected 15 States to serve on the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of which Nepal topped the countries representing the Asian Group in the 47-member council.

UNHRC, Geneva-based highest intergovernmental body looking into matters relating to protection and promotion of human rights globally, elects its members through a secret ballot.

The 15 new members were elected according to set groupings from which States are chosen. The pattern is as follows: four seats for African States; four seats for Asia-Pacific States; three seats for Latin American and Caribbean States; two seats for Eastern European States; and two seats for Western European and other States.

Nepal topped the Asia-Pacific group with 165 votes followed by Qatar with 155 Pakistan with 151 and Afghanistan by 130. All got elected. Malaysia lost with 129.

The newly elected countries are Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Senegal, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine. All would serve three-year terms beginning on 1 January 2018.

Pakistan in a statement today welcomed the decision saying, "Pakistan was elected today to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2018-20.

Pakistan secured more than two third majority votes. There were five candidates from the Asia Pacific region against four seats." Adding that Pakistan was committed to "uphold", "promote" and "safeguard" universal human rights by building on efforts towards ensuring that the "Council's work is guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, dialogue and cooperation."

"Pakistan's membership to this Council demonstrates a strong vote of confidence of the international community in our role and contribution to the national and global human rights agenda", the statement read.

While Pakistan has been trying to claim victory despite recorded violations within its country, an official told India Today that "all four States from the grouping got the same two-thirds majority and two States much smaller than them secured first and second position."

In a rare event in 2015, Pakistan failed to win a re-election to the top UNHRC, garnering just 105 votes in the 193-member General Assembly due to widespread criticism of its egregious human rights violations.

This year while it has found entry, India will be looking at other important Asian partners like Afghanistan and Nepal to ensure Pakistan's moves against India at the world body are curtailed.

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