NEW DELHI, May 10 (UPI) -- Following its election to the U.N. Human Rights Council India has said it is committed to promoting and protecting human rights.
The Indian Foreign Ministry said that the country's election to the first United Nations' Human Rights Council was a recognition of its diplomatic standing in the comity of nations.
"India had secured a total of 173 votes out of a possible 190 in New York on Tuesday," said Indian Foreign Office spokesman Navtej Sarna, adding that India received the most votes of any of the countries elected to the 47-member council.
"As a democratic country, committed to the rule of law, Indian presence on the new Human Rights Council would bring a unique perspective to the new body during the formative phase," Sarna said.
Following the elections, Sarna explained, a draw of lots was held to determine the length of each members' term on the council. India secured a one-year term, while China got three years and Pakistan two.
"The first year of the Human Rights Council is important, since the work methods and procedures would be decided and the review of the special provisions and mechanisms from the (previous U.N. body, the Commission of Human Rights) would be carried out," he said.
Sarna said India attached great importance to the new council, and would work to make it a strong, effective and efficient body capable of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
By electing India to the council, Sarna said, the world had acknowledged India's commitment to human rights.
All of the G4 group nations trying for Security Council membership -- India, Brazil, Germany and Japan -- have been elected to the Human Rights Council.
