U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees global human rights, expressed today expressed profound disappointment about the UN Human Rights Council Elections. According to the resolution establishing the Council, this UN body is “responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.” 

    “Sadly, my negative predictions concerning the new Human Rights Council have come to pass,” said Smith, who last month referred to the creation of the flawed council as a ‘missed opportunity.’ 

    Earlier today, the UN General Assembly elected the first members of the Council which included: China; Cuba; Saudi Arabia and Russia.

    “Electing such egregious human rights violators as Cuba and China to the Human Rights Council makes a mockery of human rights and calls into further question the reputation of the United Nations,” Smith said. 

    Smith encouraged the other new members work to overcome this blight to the Council by instituting working rules and procedures that would allow the Council to fulfill its mandate. 

    The first year of the Council is critical to establish credibility and in setting an agenda that will truly advance human rights for the future,” said Smith. “The United States must work with the Council members – especially those from the Western Europe and Others Group – to establish this United Nations body as an influential leader in the cause of human rights.”