India was elected to the United Nations' top human rights body on Friday, 12 October, for a period of three years beginning 1 January 2019, getting 188 votes in the Asia-Pacific category.
The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections for new members to the UN Human Rights Council. The 18 new members were elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries needed a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council.
India was vying for a seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and Philippines had also staked a claim in the same regional group.
Given that there were five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council was all but certain.
Grateful To UN For Support: Indian Ambassador
Speaking to the media post verdict, India’s Ambassador to UN Syed Akbaruddin said the result was a testament that the world holds India in the highest esteem. During his interaction, Akbaruddin also expressed his gratitude to the UN for their support towards the country.
“There were 18 candidates and we got the highest votes. We feel grateful to all the friends in UN for their support. We’ll work in a balanced way to protect human rights of the world.”Syed Akbaruddin to ANI
(With inputs from PTI)
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