FM Dr. Rana seeks global support to Nepal’s UNHRC candidacy

Kathmandu, Feb. 27

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has called on the international community to vote for Nepal’s candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). While addressing the 58^th High-Level Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, she urged ambassadors and representatives of various countries to support Nepal’s bid, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Nepal’s Permanent Mission in Geneva on Wednesday evening, FM Dr. Rana highlighted Nepal’s commitment to human rights promotion and protection despite its limited resources.

She appealed for support based on Nepal’s efforts and achievements in this field. The event was attended by over 100 ambassadors, permanent representatives, and officials from international organisations, according to the MoFA.

"The Government of Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. We have been actively working in this area for a long time. With the same dedication, Nepal has submitted its candidacy for UNHRC membership for the 2027–2029 term," said Dr. Rana while urging all UN member states to support Nepal.

She further said that Nepal has set an example in the global peace process, ensuring a smooth transition from the armed conflict.

She informed the audience that Nepal was working diligently to finalise transitional justice by enacting necessary legal frameworks.

Similarly, she highlighted Nepal’s recent achievements in protecting the rights of children, women, and minorities, as well as the government's commitment to upholding the independence of the National Human Rights Commission.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Dr. Rana had addressed the UNHRC High-Level Session, where she engaged with foreign ministers and human rights experts from UN member states.

Leading a six-member Nepali delegation, she had reached Geneva on Saturday. She is scheduled to return to Nepal on Friday morning.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 February 2025.