Kathmandu, Oct 14: Nepal has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, securing 173 of the 180 votes cast in the UN General Assembly, the highest tally in its regional electoral group.
The election marks Nepal’s third term on the Geneva-based council, following its membership in 2018–2020 and 2021–2023. Its new term begins on January 1, 2027.
Following Tuesday’s vote, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, thanked member states for their support. He said the result reflected their trust in Nepal’s commitment to multilateralism, human rights, international law and an international order centered on the UN.
Thapa pledged to work with member states and other partners to protect human dignity, promote inclusion and social justice, and advance equitable development.
The election follows another recent UN leadership role for Nepal. Thapa served as president of the UN Economic and Social Council during its 2026 session, which concluded in July. The council coordinates the UN’s work on economic, social and sustainable development issues.
Nepal also remains a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, deploying military and police personnel to international missions. Its peacekeeping contribution forms a substantial part of its engagement with the world body.
The 47-member Human Rights Council promotes and protects human rights worldwide. Members serve three-year terms and are elected by secret ballot in the General Assembly, with seats distributed among five regional groups.
Membership gives Nepal a role in shaping council resolutions, reviewing countries’ human rights records and responding to abuses worldwide.
Login to add a comment