The Democratic Republic of Congo was elected to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday, along with Benin, Gambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, despite opposition from domestic critics.
These five nations will serve a three-year term starting January 1, 2025, with Congo receiving 172 out of 190 votes during the election. Critics, including Human Rights Watch and local civil society groups, cited issues like political repression, arbitrary detentions, and killings as reasons against Congo’s candidacy.
In response, Congo’s human rights minister expressed a commitment to using the position to enhance the country’s human rights situation. The UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is responsible for promoting and protecting global human rights and addressing violations.
