Nepal has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, receiving 173 out of 180 votes in the UN General Assembly.
The voting took place at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Nepal garnered the highest number of votes among Asia Pacific countries elected, as reported by Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The mission expressed gratitude to UN member states for their support and confidence in Nepal’s commitment to human rights, international law, and multilateral cooperation.
Nepal to Start Third Term in January 2027
Nepal’s new three year term will commence on January 1, 2027, allowing the country to engage in discussions on human rights protection and accountability.
Nepal previously served two consecutive terms on the council from 2018 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2023. This election marks its third time on the council.
Nepal’s Permanent Mission stated that the country looks forward to collaborating with UN member states and international partners to promote human dignity, inclusion, social justice, and equitable development.
This election also boosts Nepal’s diplomatic presence in global forums discussing human rights issues.
15 Countries Elected to the Council
Alongside Nepal, 14 other countries were elected to the 47 member Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
The newly elected members include Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Zambia.
Council members are chosen by the UN General Assembly through a secret ballot, with seats allocated among five regional groups to ensure geographic representation.
Established in 2006 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Human Rights Council is the UN’s primary body for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
Significance of Human Rights Council Membership
The council reviews human rights situations worldwide, addresses violations, and provides recommendations for improvement.
It also conducts the Universal Periodic Review, assessing the human rights records of all UN member states.
The council can appoint independent experts, including special rapporteurs, to investigate specific human rights issues.
Membership offers Nepal a platform to engage in discussions, contribute to resolutions, and support international efforts against human rights violations.
However, council membership also entails responsibilities.
Member states must uphold high human rights standards, cooperate with council mechanisms, and contribute positively to its work.
Nepal’s Expectations on Human Rights Commitments
Nepal’s election presents an opportunity to enhance its role in international human rights diplomacy.
The country has committed to advancing human dignity, inclusion, social justice, and adherence to international law.
Its performance during the 2027–2029 term will be assessed based on its human rights commitments and their practical application.
This election renews Nepal’s role in global human rights discussions, but the impact of its membership will depend on its active participation, cooperation with international mechanisms, and support for fundamental freedoms.
Nepal’s new term on the council begins in January 2027.