Nigeria Elected To UN Human Rights Council With 172 Of 181 Votes

Nigeria has scored 172 votes out of 181 to be elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the United Nations General Assembly, which will allow the country to serve from 2027 to 2029.

Other countries elected to the Council are Brazil, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.

This feat by Nigeria elicited joy from the Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, who sent a congratulatory message to President Bola Tinubu on the country’s election to the council.

Nigeria will enjoy the benefits of being elected to the UN Human Rights Council, including international recognition, influence in decision-making, stronger diplomacy, promotion of national interests, improved human rights protection, greater global visibility, sharing experiences, and increased responsibility.

The country will serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), whose major roles include protecting human rights worldwide; promoting respect for human rights by all countries; and investigating human rights violations and abuses.

The Council also recommends solutions to human rights problems; regularly reviews countries’ human rights records; protects vulnerable groups, including women, children, and minorities; and promotes equality and combats discrimination.

The Council also encourages international cooperation on human rights issues, supports human rights education and awareness, and responds to emergencies involving serious human rights violations.