Cyprus aims for seat on UN human rights council

The Republic of Cyprus in the running for the first time, for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, who has been in New York since Monday, has been presenting and promoting the country’s candidacy and conveying the Republic’s priorities should it be elected.

Kombos will be present at a secret ballot for the nomination of the new members, accompanied by the permanent representative of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, ministry officials, and diplomats.

Diplomatic sources stated that the Republic’s candidacy would enable the country to strengthen its international role and highlight the rights of women and children and vulnerable groups.

“The election of Cyprus to the UN HRC would be an opportunity for the country to strengthen its diplomatic footprint internationally, by participating in one of the most important bodies of the UN system. Cyprus would have the opportunity to highlight issues such as children’s rights, gender equality, and women’s rights, the rights of vulnerable groups, and the protection of cultural heritage,” the sources said.

The HRC consists of 47 UN member states, which are elected by all members for a three-year term. At this time, the UN general assembly will elect 18 new members for three-year terms, with their terms starting in January 2025.

The Republic of Cyprus fall into the Asia-Pacific geographic group which is the most competitive, with six countries (Republic of Cyprus, Marshall Islands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Thailand) vying for five places.

Other geographical groups, such as Africa, Latin America – Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, do not face competition, as the number of applicants is the same as the available seats.

The election will be held at 10.00am EST (5pm local time) at the UN headquarters in New York.