Kathmandu. Nepal has been elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term of 2027–2029.
In the elections held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Nepal got 173 votes out of the total 180 votes cast in the General Assembly. Nepal received the highest number of votes among the elected countries from the Asia-Pacific regional group.
After the election, Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York issued a statement expressing gratitude to all the UN member states that have given confidence and support to Nepal.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to all UN Member States for reposing their confidence in Nepal’s commitment to multilateralism, human rights, international law and the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its centre,” the mission said.
Nepal has also congratulated other countries elected for the new term of the Human Rights Council. These include Brazil, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.
The Permanent Mission of Nepal said it is committed to closely cooperating with UN Member States and other partners to protect human dignity, promote inclusivity, ensure social justice and pursue equitable and equitable development for all.
Nepal has previously been a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms during the years 2018–2020 and 2021–2023. With the new elections, Nepal will become a member of the Council for the third time from January 1, 2027.
The United Nations Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is the principal intergovernmental body of the United Nations for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Council consists of 47 member countries on the basis of geographical representation, who are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for a three-year term.
The Council reviews the human rights situation in member countries, discusses cases involving human rights violations and issues necessary recommendations.
Furthermore, it encourages international cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights. The human rights situation in all member states is also evaluated under the Council’s Universal Periodic Review process.
Nepal’s election will provide an opportunity to strengthen the country’s representation at the international human rights forum. As a member of the Council, Nepal will be able to contribute to multilateral dialogue and cooperation on issues related to human rights, human dignity, equality, inclusivity, social justice and respect for international law.
However, membership will also carry with it the responsibility of Nepal to implement international commitments related to human rights, protect fundamental freedoms and put into practice its commitment to universal standards of human rights.