Pakistan today won the election of United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), by securing 171 votes. Pakistan is elected for this important UN body for the third time.
Pakistan secured its first victory in 2006 when the body was created by the United Nations General Assembly. In the new term, Pakistan will serve on the Council from 2013 to 2015.
The success in the election demonstrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to human rights and the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s substantial contributions at the Human Rights Council and its affiliated bodies.
In its election campaign, Pakistan’s Permanent Mission in New York highlighted that Pakistan’s Government, Parliament and judiciary have taken a series of steps in the last four years for the promotion and protection of universal human rights in Pakistan.
Special attention is being given by the Government of Pakistan to the social and economic emancipation of women and protection of the rights of other vulnerable groups including children and minorities.
The Parliament has passed several legislations on human rights issues including the legislation to create a Paris Principles compliant National Commission for Human Rights and more than half a dozen laws for the promotion of rights of women, which include Prevention of Anti-women practices and Criminalizing harassment at public and work places. The National Commission on Status of Women and the National Commission for Minorities have also been strengthened and made more independent.
The Parliament has also passed constitutional amendments to make the right to education, right to information and the right to a fair trial as fundamental rights. Pakistan has an independent and proactive judiciary, free media and a vibrant civil society that are engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights.
This year Pakistan has contested the election for the term 2013-2015 on one of the five seats allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group, which endorsed its candidature.
As a founding member of the HRC, Pakistan has made constructive contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights. Pakistan supports the promotion of universally agreed human rights based on the principles of cooperation, non-discrimination, impartiality and genuine dialogue. Pakistan is committed to continue playing its role in the fulfillment of these objectives.
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the majority of members of the General Assembly of the United Nations through direct and secret ballot.
The Human Rights Council has a number of Special Procedures, which include special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts and working groups that monitor, examine, advise and publicly report on thematic issues or human rights situations in specific countries.
Islamabad
Abdul Akbar
Press Attache
Embassy of Pakistan
