Islamabad, May 05: Pakistan has been re-elected to the UN commission on human rights for a two-year term, beginning next year, from the quota of seats allotted to Asian countries. Pakistan was re-elected for the 2005-2007 term with 43 votes in elections held yesterday during the organisational session of the 54-member Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) Of the United Nations, a foreign office statement said here today. Pakistan first entered into the commission in 1951 and continued to get elected with the support of Islamic countries, and made use of it to highlight its stand on Kashmir issue. The foreign office statement said that Pakistan delegations at the commission played important role in the drafting of the universal declaration on human rights. It said Pakistan believes in the full realisation of all civil and political rights while placing equal emphasis on the promotion and realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.

"Pakistan was a consistent supporter of the struggle against apartheid and the right to self-determination. It has the distinction of serving as coordinator of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in the commission on human rights," the statement said.

As an OIC member, Pakistan has promoted a greater understanding of the perspective of the Muslim countries in the commission, it said.

Bureau Report