NEW YORK
Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a three-year term beginning in January, the government said Wednesday.
Nigeria was among 15 countries elected to the 47-member council for the 2027–2029 term during Tuesday’s vote in New York.
The country received 172 out of 181 votes, placing third among the four African countries elected. Zambia received 177 votes, Ghana 173 and Burundi 160, according to the results.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked UN member states for supporting Nigeria’s candidacy and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international cooperation, dialogue and the promotion of human rights.
“Nigeria’s election reflects international confidence in its commitment to advancing human rights and improving human rights conditions across the world,” Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi said in part.
The government said Nigeria looked forward to working with other council members to strengthen global efforts to protect fundamental freedoms and uphold human dignity and justice.
The Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, is the UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It addresses alleged violations, makes recommendations to member states and conducts the Universal Periodic Review, through which the human rights records of all UN member states are assessed.
The council has 47 members elected by the General Assembly, with seats allocated among regional groups. Members serve three-year terms and are expected to uphold high standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Nigeria’s term will begin Jan. 1 and run through Dec. 31, 2029.
