United States elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the second Consecutive Term

United States have been elected by the United Nations General Assembly to a second term to the Geneva based Human Rights Council.

The United States was one of five candidates for three seats.The other candidates were Germany, Greece, Ireland and Sweden but Germany and Ireland won the other seats.

Earlier, United States had been absent for sometimes from th controversial council until 2009, when the Obama administration sought and won a seat.

This time Sri Lanka did not field itself as one of the five vacant seats meant for Asian Pacific states.

Last time on May 21, 2008, election for 15 vacant seats was held and Sri Lanka was one of the candidates, but was defeated in the election.

Election for 18 Members of the Human Rights Council was held on 12th November at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.

Following 18 countries have been elected for membership in the Human Rights Council for the term 2013-2015

African States 5 seats : Cote d’Ivorie, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Siera Leone

Asia – Pacific States 5 seats : Japan, Kazakhstan,Pakistan, Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates

Eastern Europe 2 seats: Estonia, Montenegro

Latin America 3 seats: Argentina, Brazil ,.Venezuela

Western European & Other States 3 Seats: Germany, Ireland and United States

In accordance with paragraph 7 of General Assembly Resolution 60/251 the Council shall consist of 47 Member States, which shall be elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly.

The membership shall be based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats shall be distributed as follows among regional groups:

• Group of African States (13)

• Group of Asia-Pacific States (13)

• Group of Eastern European States (6)

• Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8)

• Group of Western European and other States (7)

The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms.

- Asian Tribune -