A delegate (R) casts his vote during a by-election for membership in the Human Rights Council, at the UN headquarters in New York, May 10, 2022. The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected the Czech Republic to the Human Rights Council to fill the vacancy left by Russia, whose membership was suspended. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected the Czech Republic to the Human Rights Council to fill the vacancy left by Russia, whose membership was suspended.
The General Assembly on April 7 adopted a resolution to suspend Russia's membership in the Geneva-based Human Rights Council after Russia launched a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russia immediately decided to terminate its membership in the 47-member council.
In the by-election held on Tuesday, the Czech Republic was elected to replace Russia for the remainder of its three-year term that ends on Dec. 31, 2023. The Czech Republic's term starts immediately.
The Czech Republic was elected with 157 votes in favor, and 23 abstentions.
The Human Rights Council, established by the UN General Assembly in 2006, is a UN body to promote and protect human rights. The members of the council are elected by the General Assembly for staggered three-year terms. ■
