On October 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly held elections for the Human Rights Council for the term of 2025-2027.
Contrary to recent claims in some media outlets, Nigeria did not suffer a snub in this election.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified the country’s position regarding the elections in a statement released to the press.
The recent elections resulted in the selection of 18 countries, including Benin, Colombia, and Switzerland, to serve on the Human Rights Council.
These newly elected members will begin their terms on January 1, 2025, replacing outgoing members whose terms end on December 31, 2024.
Election Results: A Breakdown of the New Members
The elected members include countries from various regions, such as Bolivia, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Thailand.
The Human Rights Council, composed of 47 member states, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
The recent election was conducted through a secret ballot, ensuring a fair selection process.
Among the outgoing members were countries like Argentina, Cameroon, and the United States.
Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India, and Somalia were ineligible for re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
Notably, some countries, such as Brazil and South Africa, continue their service on the Council.
Nigeria’s Role in the Elections
In his statement, Onanuga stressed that Nigeria did not stand as a candidate for this election cycle.
He pointed out that the country also did not participate in the 2023 elections, where some reports falsely claimed Nigeria received three votes.
He explained that any votes recorded for Nigeria in the recent election were likely cast in error by countries that mistakenly thought Nigeria was on the ballot.
“For those conversant with elections into international organizations, especially prestigious bodies like the Human Rights Council, countries usually receive regional endorsements,” Onanuga said.
He emphasized that the African regional group endorsed Benin and Gambia for the 2025-2027 term.
The election did not face competition within the African regional group since the continent put forward the same number of candidates as available seats.
A Focus on African Unity and Support
Onanuga noted that Nigeria’s absence from the ballot does not reflect a lack of commitment to human rights or global representation.
Instead, Nigeria chose to support the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.
This strategy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and diplomatic efforts to foster unity within Africa.
Onanuga reiterated the importance of African nations speaking with a united voice on the global stage.
“Our nation has always prioritized working collaboratively with its regional neighbors,” he stated.
He urged the media to verify information before publishing to avoid spreading misinformation that could harm Nigeria’s reputation.
Importance of Accurate Reporting
The statement from Onanuga highlighted the need for responsible journalism, especially when covering international matters.
He criticized the media for rushing to report without confirming details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nigeria’s mission in New York.
As citizens, he urged Nigerians not to hastily criticize or undermine the country, especially regarding international relations.
“Before any conclusions are drawn, it is crucial to check the facts,” Onanuga emphasized.
This approach is vital in ensuring that Nigeria’s international standing remains strong and respected.
A Broader Context: Nigeria’s Commitment to Human Rights
Nigeria has historically played an influential role in promoting human rights on the African continent and beyond.
The country has been involved in various initiatives aimed at strengthening human rights and addressing injustices.
Nigeria’s commitment to human rights is reflected in its involvement with organizations such as ECOWAS and the African Union.
By supporting endorsed candidates in the UN Human Rights Council elections, Nigeria continues its tradition of fostering regional cooperation.
The aim is to ensure that African nations are well-represented in discussions and decisions affecting human rights globally.