Iraq won membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period from 2026 to 2028, as part of the Asia-Pacific Group, alongside India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The four countries were elected to represent the group during the next session.
A statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday (October 14, 2025), "Iraq achieved a new diplomatic achievement by winning membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, during the elections held by the United Nations General Assembly at the organization's headquarters in New York on Tuesday."
According to the statement, Iraq's victory came after receiving (175) votes out of 193 UN member states.
The statement explained that "Iraq's victory in this seat represents a new diplomatic achievement that embodies the international community's confidence in Iraq's democratic path and its commitment to the principles of human rights, the rule of law, and pluralism."
He noted that "Iraq won membership in the Council as part of the Asia-Pacific Group, alongside India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The four countries were elected to represent the group during the next session."
He added that "Iraq's election is the culmination of its ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen its regional and international standing and consolidate its active presence in UN forums, as well as its role in supporting dialogue and mutual understanding, spreading the culture of human rights, and international cooperation."
In this regard, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, Ambassador Luqman Alfaili, affirmed, following the announcement of the results, that "Iraq will work during its membership in the Council to promote constructive dialogue, activate multilateral cooperation, and present initiatives focused on respect for human dignity, empowering vulnerable groups, and supporting the principles of justice and equality, in line with the UN Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals."
This victory represents a new milestone in Iraq's diplomatic journey and a clear indicator of its constructive role in strengthening the human rights system at the regional and global levels.
Iraq wins membership in the UN Human Rights Council
