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The Secretary of State of the United States, Mike Pompeo, criticized the UN body for choosing the countries (Archive)
United Nations:
Pakistan, along with China, Russia and Cuba, won seats on the UN Human Rights Council despite strong opposition from activist groups for their dismal human rights records.
In a secret ballot in the 193-member UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Pakistan received 169 votes, Uzbekistan received 164, Nepal 150 and China 139. Saudi Arabia lost the race with just 90 votes.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized the UN body for choosing China, Russia and Cuba as the agency charged with defending human rights.
“The election of China, Russia and Cuba to the UN Human Rights Council validates the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Council in 2018 and use other spaces to protect and promote universal human rights.” At this year’s #UNGA, we did just that, “Pompeo tweeted.
“America’s commitment to human rights is much more than just words. We have identified and punished human rights abusers in Xinjiang, Myanmar, Iran, and elsewhere, and we ask all nations to seize this moment to renew his commitment to #UDHR, “he said. in another tweet.
Last week, a coalition of human rights groups from Europe, the United States and Canada called on UN member states to oppose the election of China, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Cuba and Uzbekistan, saying their backgrounds in terms of human rights they make them unconditional.
“The bad news: Governments have just elected China to the UN Human Rights Council despite its severe crackdown in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. The good news: The number of governments that voted for it dropped from 180 the last time to 139 now. The fear is melting, “Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth tweeted after the vote.
Pakistan is currently on the HRC since January 1, 2018. Upon its re-election, the country will continue as a member for another three-year term starting on January 1, 2021.
According to the rules of the Human Rights Council, seats are allocated to regions to ensure geographical representation.
With the exception of the Asia-Pacific contest, the election of 15 members to the 47-member Human Rights Council was decided in advance because all other regional groups had unopposed lists. To be elected, a country needed to obtain the required majority of 97 votes.
Since the establishment of the HRC in 2006, this is the fifth time that Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations human rights agency.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was satisfied with his country’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for another three-year term.
“We remain committed to defending human rights for all, prioritizing the advancement of tolerance and constructive engagement. We stand firm against Islamophobia and support mutual respect,” Khan said.
