Saturday, May 21, 2011

...the UN human right council

PH elected anew to human rights council

05/21/2011
 
 
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines was re-elected for a 3-year term to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a press statement.

“The country’s election to a new term in the UNHRC is a clear indication of the appreciation and confidence of the international community in the significant gains in our human rights record and the strong commitment of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III to further protect and advance human rights not only in our country but also around the world,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said.

Indonesia obtained the highest number of votes in the elections held at the 65th session of the UN General Assembly in New York last Friday, May 20.

The Philippines was only two votes behind fellow ASEAN Member Indonesia.

The elections were presided by Honorable Joseph Deiss, President of the 65th Session of the GA.

“The Philippines is a vibrant democracy working very hard to further consolidate and strengthen the gains we have achieved in human rights, together with the rights which we fought for that led to the restoration of democracy at EDSA in 1986. Human rights is a cornerstone of good governance, as enunciated by President Aquino himself, and the world – through our election to the Human Rights Council with a fresh mandate – recognizes this national commitment of ours,” said Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

The UN HRC, made up of 47 UN Member States, is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.

The Council was established by the UN General Assembly on March 15, 2006 primarily to address human rights violations and make recommendations.

The other 14 countries elected to the HRC for 2011 to 2014 were Indonesia, India, Kuwait, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Congo, Benin, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Czech Republic, Romania, Austria and Italy.

The Philippines was first elected to the HRC in 2006 and the second was for the term 2007 to 2010.

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