Fijian to head UN council
Geneva: A Fijian has been elected to head the United Nations Human Rights Council, the first time a Pacific country has held the role.
Fiji’s ambassador to Geneva, Nazhat Shameem Khan, will serve as the council’s president for this year.
She was elected by an unprecedented secret ballot after a diplomatic standoff prevented a consensus decision; she won 29 of the 47 votes, beating off competition from Bahrain and Uzbekistan.
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama hailed the appointment as coming at a critical time for humanity; New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said it would mean Pacific voices were represented at an important global forum. — RNZ