KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as the government and Kuwaitis, on their great success, due to their tireless efforts, in becoming members of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2024–2026.

In a statement to KUNA, Sheikh Salem said that such results “are nothing but a testament to Kuwait’s respect for human rights and its active role in this field, which is something that all 183 member countries that cast their votes in favor believe in.” Sheikh Salem extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the countries participating in the vote “for the trust they have shown, assuring them and all members of the international community that Kuwait will remain as promised in fulfilling its obligations, carrying out its responsibilities with all dedication and sincerity, and continuing its active role from all platforms at all times."

The minister stressed that Kuwait was, is, and will remain a strong supporter of the work of the Human Rights Council and its mandate as the primary intergovernmental body of the United Nations concerned with promoting and protecting human rights around the world.

Sheikh Salem added, “Based on this firm conviction and complete belief in the importance and vitality of this council, we reaffirm to our brothers, friends, allies, and all members of the international community that Kuwait, through its membership in the Human Rights Council, will assume the responsibility for everyone to enjoy human rights and protect them everywhere, as they are inherent rights for everyone, equally and without discrimination.” The minister praised the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees and “all those responsible for this great campaign”.

15 elected countries

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected 15 new countries to serve on the Human Rights Council, among them Kuwait, with Peru and Russia failing to secure seats. After the ballots were cast and counted, Assembly President Dennis Francis announced that Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, and the Netherlands were elected to serve for three years, beginning January 1, 2024.

China, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, France, and Malawi were re-elected for their second terms. The Human Rights Council, the UN’s premier rights body, is tasked with the responsibility to uphold and advance fundamental freedoms globally.

It was created in 2006 and consists of 47 member states, elected via secret ballot by the majority of General Assembly members. In order to ensure equitable geographical distribution, its seats are distributed among regional groups of states as follows: Africa (13) Asia-Pacific (13) Eastern Europe (6) Latin America and Caribbean (8) and Western Europe and others (7). - KUNA