Group opposes bid of Philippines, Eritrea for UN Human Rights Council slots

October 12, 2018

United Nations member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their egregious human rights records, Human Rights Watch said in a statement Thursday from New York.

On October 12, the UN General Assembly will vote to fill one-third of the seats on the 47-member council for the 2019-21 term.

“UN member countries should show their outrage at the Philippines and Eritrea by leaving two spots on the ballot sheet blank and keeping them off the council,” said Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch.

“Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s abusive ‘war on drugs’ has been a killing frenzy that has left thousands dead. In Eritrea, the authorities persecute and jail government critics and force citizens into indefinite national service,” he added.

Countries need a minimum of 97 votes – a simple majority – to be elected to the council. DMS