WANA (Jan 22) – The Islamic Republic of Iran has been unanimously elected as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Group at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

 

As the largest regional group within the Council, the Asia-Pacific Group oversees key activities, including coordinating its members’ positions during Council sessions and liaising with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Iran’s leadership role officially began this week and will continue until the end of 2025.

 

Ali Bahraini, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, will serve as the group’s chair, guiding its work throughout the term.

 

This election follows Iran’s successful chairing of the Asia-Pacific Group at the International Labour Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization last year, where its constructive approach and consensus-building efforts earned the trust of member states.

 

Iran’s appointment highlights the region’s confidence in its leadership, with a focus on advancing collaboration and addressing key human rights issues during its tenure.