Mexico was elected to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2018-2020 today during the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. Its election highlights the international community’s recognition of Mexico’s collaboration and commitment to the international human rights system.
The Human Rights Council is the most important specialized intergovernmental body within the United Nations system for human rights. It has 47 Member States and is responsible for ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
For the 2018-2020 term, the Mexican government’s main goals are:
1. Strengthen the Council’s role in promoting and protecting international human rights;
2. Promote the cross-cutting theme of human rights in the United Nations’ work
3. Maintain its policy of openness and cooperation with the international human rights bodies and mechanisms, and
4. Continue to work at home to incorporate the highest international human rights standards into our laws and policies.
In addition to Mexico, the following countries from the various regional groups were also elected to the Council for a period of three years beginning January 1, 2018: Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Senegal Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine.
Mexico’s nomination and election to the Council today reaffirms that promoting, respecting, protecting and ensuring human rights are key areas for the government’s actions, and one of the guiding principles of Mexico’s foreign policy.