Nigeria has secured a three-year seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council after polling 172 votes in an election by the UN General Assembly, returning the country to the global human rights body after a six-year absence.
The election, announced by the council on Tuesday, will see Nigeria serve from 2027 to 2029 alongside 14 other countries elected to the 47-member body.
Nigeria’s previous membership ended in 2020, following its election for the 2018–2020 term.
The country secured its latest seat with 172 votes out of 181 valid votes cast by member states.
The Human Rights Council is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, addressing violations and making recommendations on situations requiring international attention.
Nigeria declared its candidacy in February, pledging to cooperate fully with the council’s mechanisms and prioritise children’s safety through support for safe schools and secure learning environments amid persistent security threats.
The election places Nigeria under renewed international scrutiny over its commitment to protecting human rights and fulfilling the obligations attached to membership.
Under the council’s rules, member states are expected to uphold high human rights standards and cooperate with the body’s work.
The council was established by the UN General Assembly in March 2006 through Resolution 60/251. Its members are elected by secret ballot, with seats allocated according to equitable geographical distribution.
African countries are allocated 13 of the council’s 47 seats.
Other countries elected for the 2027–2029 term are Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, Moldova, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.
The council meets at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, to examine human rights concerns and situations across the world.
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