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NIGERIA SECURES THREE-YEAR TERM ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Nigeria has secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term after receiving 172 votes in a General Assembly election ...
By Wavers News
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The result, announced on Wednesday, October 14, places Nigeria among 15 countries elected to the council, which is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Nigeria's new term will begin on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2029.
The election gives Nigeria a place in international discussions on human rights protection, alleged abuses and cooperation between governments. However, the outcome has also renewed debate over the selection of countries whose domestic human rights records have attracted criticism.
NIGERIA RECEIVES 172 VOTES IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION
Nigeria secured 172 votes out of 181 valid ballots cast in the election. It was elected alongside Zambia, Ghana and Burundi to represent the African regional group, which had four seats available.
Zambia received 177 votes, Ghana secured 173, while Burundi obtained 160 votes.
The other countries elected to serve on the council for the 2027–2029 term are Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Uruguay.
The election took place in the United Nations General Assembly, where member states vote by secret ballot. Candidates must receive the required majority and rank among the highest vote-getters within the number of seats allocated to their regional group.
The council has 47 members, with seats distributed among five regional groups to provide geographical representation. African states hold 13 seats.
Nigeria's successful candidacy means it will participate in the council's deliberations and decisions throughout the three-year term.
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the election and expressed appreciation to United Nations member states for supporting the country's candidacy.
The government said the result reflected international confidence in Nigeria's commitment to advancing human rights and improving conditions globally.
It also reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among member states, expressing its intention to work with other council members to strengthen efforts to protect human dignity, justice and fundamental freedoms.
The council provides a forum for governments to discuss human rights concerns, consider allegations of violations and support international initiatives aimed at improving protections.
Nigeria's participation will therefore give the country an opportunity to contribute to discussions on international human rights standards and the responsibilities of governments in protecting fundamental freedoms.
UN ELECTION PROCESS FACES HUMAN RIGHTS CRITICISM
Nigeria's election comes amid criticism from human rights organisations over the lack of competitive contests in the selection process.
The 15 countries elected on Tuesday were the only candidates put forward for the available seats in their respective regional groups. Consequently, there were no competing candidates for any of the positions.
Human Rights Watch criticised the process, arguing that uncontested elections reduce the ability of General Assembly members to reject candidates because of concerns about their human rights records.
The organisation also raised concerns about the records of some of the countries elected, including Nigeria, Burundi and Brazil. Its criticism centred on issues such as alleged abuses, accountability and police brutality.
These objections concern the election process and the records of individual countries; they do not change the official vote totals or the outcome of the ballot.
The debate also highlights the expectations placed on countries serving on the council. Members are expected to uphold high standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and to cooperate with the council's work.
The election has therefore produced both a diplomatic achievement for Nigeria and renewed scrutiny of the standards applied when countries are selected for positions on international human rights bodies.
WHAT NIGERIA'S NEW MEMBERSHIP MEANS
Beginning in January 2027, Nigeria will join the other elected members in the council's work on human rights issues around the world.
The council can address concerns about violations, appoint independent investigators, establish fact-finding missions and make recommendations to governments. It also conducts the Universal Periodic Review, through which the human rights records of all United Nations member states are examined.
Membership provides Nigeria with a formal role in these discussions, but it does not automatically establish that the country has resolved its own human rights challenges.
The coming term will place Nigeria among the governments expected to contribute to the council's mandate while meeting the standards associated with membership.
As the new term approaches, attention will turn to how Nigeria participates in the council's activities and responds to questions about the promotion and protection of human rights at home and internationally.
Nigeria's election is a significant development in its international engagement, but the wider debate surrounding the ballot shows that representation on the council and scrutiny of a country's human rights record remain separate issues.