Nigeria elected to UN human rights council for 3-year term

Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term running from 2027 to 2029.

The council announced the development in a post on X on Tuesday, listing Nigeria among 15 countries elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to serve on the body.

Nigeria secured the seat with 172 votes out of 181 valid votes cast by member states.

The country had declared its candidacy in February, pledging to cooperate fully with the council’s mechanisms, support the financing of safe schools and invest in secure learning environments to protect children amid prevailing security challenges.

Nigeria’s previous membership of the council ended in 2020, following its re-election in 2017 for the 2018–2020 term.

The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It also addresses alleged human rights violations and makes recommendations on situations requiring international attention.

The council comprises 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly through a direct and secret ballot. Elections take into account candidates’ contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments.

Membership is allocated according to equitable geographical distribution, with African states holding 13 seats, the Asia-Pacific region 13, Latin American and Caribbean states eight, Western European and other states seven, and Eastern European states six.

Nigeria’s election places renewed responsibility on the country to uphold high human rights standards in line with the principles established by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, adopted in March 2006 to create the council.

Members serve three-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. The council meets at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, to consider human rights issues and situations across the world.

The other countries elected for the 2027–2029 term are Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.

Nigeria’s return to the council provides an opportunity to participate in international discussions on human rights protection, accountability and cooperation among member states.

The post Nigeria elected to UN human rights council for 3-year term appeared first on Breezy News Nigeria .