India elected to UNHRC with maximum votes in Asia-Pacific category

United Nations: India has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a period of three years beginning January 1, 2019, getting highest 188 votes in the Asia-Pacific category.The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections for new members to the UNHRC on Friday.

The 18 new members were elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. India got highest 188 votes in the Asia-Pacific category.India was vying for a seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and Philippines had also staked a claim in the same regional group.

Given that there were five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council was all but certain.As of 1 January next year, the 18 newly-elected States will serve for three years on the UN’s highest inter-governmental body, mandated to protect and promote human rights worldwide.(UNi)