1. The Republic of Korea was re-elected to serve on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2016 through 2018 at the election, which was held at the UN headquarters in New York on October 28.

◦ It will mark the fourth time for the ROK to serve on the UNHRC following its first term from 2006 to 2008 upon the founding of the body in 2006; second term from 2008 to 2011; and third term from 2013 to 2015.

2. Seven countries from the Group of Asia-Pacific States, to which the ROK belongs, ran in the election, out of which the ROK, the UAE, the Philippines, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan were elected.

3. The ROK’s re-election to the UNHRC carries significance in that the international community recognizes the country’s efforts to protect and promote human rights at home and abroad as well as its commitment to contribute actively to relevant international efforts.

4. As a member of the UNHRC over the next three years, the ROK government will continue efforts to contribute to the promotion of universal human rights by thoroughly fulfilling its commitments and taking an active part in discussions on key human rights issues of the international community.


* unofficial translation