India returned to the United Nations’ top human rights body with a bang. It secured the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific category. The tenure is for a period of three years beginning January 1, 2019.
The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections here for new members to the UN Human Rights Council. The 18 new members were elected by the absolute majority through a secret ballot. 97 votes were required to stake a claim in the council.Â
Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and Philippines had also staked a claim in the same regional group. India got 188 votes followed by Fiji with 187 votes, Bangladesh 178, Bahrain and Philippines 165 each.Â
India had previously been elected to the Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. In order to infuse fresh countries in the Council, no country can be elected for 3 consecutive terms. So, India had to skip the 2017-2019 term.Â
About the Assembly
Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States.
On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: the African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; the Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats.
