PRESS RELEASE

On the 12 November, 14 members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) were elected for the 2014-2016 term during the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.

176 countries, of the 192 involved in the elections, voted for Russia. Such a result is convincing evidence of support for our country's policy to strengthen collective foundations in the work of the UN, to promote and defend human rights by the world community.

Russia attaches special importance to the activity of the UNHRC. We view it as the UN's key human rights defender. We believe that the activity of the Council should be based on the principle of equal cooperation of countries, based on respect for sovereignty and taking into account civilisational and cultural diversity.

In the context of the implementation of its obligations in the area of human rights, Russia will continue its constructive interaction with the control mechanisms of the United Nations Human Rights Council, including in special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review. We will also work actively with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, supporting its programmes and projects in accordance with priorities in the area of international defence of human rights, which were approved at the intergovernmental level.

Apart from Russia, Algeria, United Kingdom, Vietnam, China, Cuba, Macedonia, Republic of Maldives, Morocco, Mexico, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, France and South Africa were also elected to the UNHRC.

The first regular session of the reshaped UNHRC will be held in March 2014.

13 November 2013