Slovak Foreign Minister and chairman of the 72nd UN general assembly, Miroslav Lajčák. (source: SITA)
Slovakia has become a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year period as of January 1, 2018, the Slovak Foreign Ministry reported on its website.
“Slovakia views its election to the UN’s most important human rights body as an international reward for its former and current human rights activities,” the ministry wrote, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
During its three-year mandate Slovakia wants in particular to fight all forms of racism and xenophobia and actively implement sustainable development goals, including support for children’s rights, religious beliefs and tolerance.
“In 2018, the Slovak Republic will participate in the Council’s activities along with its EU partners, including Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Croatia and Spain,” the ministry added.
An inter-governmental body within the UN system, the Human Rights Council consists of 47 states responsible for promoting and protecting all human rights around the globe. The UNHRC holds three regular sessions a year, and it can decide at any time to hold a special session in order to address human rights violations and emergencies. Its member states are elected for three-year terms.
