Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji’s ambassador to Geneva, has taken a significant step in her diplomatic career by securing the position of president of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Her appointment marks a notable moment in the history of the council, as it faced an unprecedented situation leading up to the election.
Appointment of Nazhat Shameem Khan
Nazhat Shameem Khan has been appointed to serve as the president of the UNHRC for the year 2021. The selection process for the presidency was atypical this year, as it involved a secret ballot due to the lack of a consensus among member states. The UNHRC traditionally rotates its presidency between regions, and the president is usually elected through consensus. However, this year marked the first time in the council’s 15-year history that it began without a president, necessitating a vote to fill the position.
Khan found herself competing for the presidency against two other candidates: Ulugbek Lapasov, the ambassador of Uzbekistan, and Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri, the ambassador of Bahrain. In the secret ballot, Khan received the majority of votes, with 29 out of 47, while Lapasov secured 4 votes and Bucheeri garnered 14 votes. Khan’s victory confirmed her role as the leader of the council for the upcoming year.
Understanding the UNHRC
The UNHRC is a critical body within the United Nations framework, dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights around the globe. Established in 2006, the council is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and consists of 47 member states. These members are responsible for addressing and making recommendations on human rights issues that arise in various countries or territories.
In October of the previous year, Pakistan rejoined the UNHRC, securing membership that will extend until 2023. India is also a current member of the council, with its term set to conclude in 2021. The composition of the council reflects a diverse group of countries with varying human rights records, and the election of its president is seen as a reflection of the international community’s priorities and concerns regarding human rights.
Significance of Khan’s Election
The election of Nazhat Shameem Khan is significant not only because it was conducted through a voting process but also because it represents the growing influence of small island nations in international diplomacy. Fiji, being a small state in the Pacific, has shown that it can play a pivotal role on the world stage, particularly in areas concerning human rights and environmental issues.
Khan’s leadership will be closely watched by the international community as the UNHRC continues to address complex human rights challenges across the world. With her experience and background, she is expected to bring a unique perspective to the council’s work. Her tenure as president will involve guiding the council’s agenda, presiding over meetings, and ensuring that the body remains focused on its core mission of promoting and protecting human rights for all.
As the UNHRC moves forward under Khan’s presidency, it will likely face a range of pressing issues, from the ongoing refugee crises and conflicts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights. Khan’s role will be crucial in navigating these challenges and in fostering cooperation among member states to uphold the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.