United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. File photoUN, May 10.The General Assembly elected the Czech Republic to the UN Human Rights Council in the place vacated after Russia's withdrawal, RIA Novosti correspondent reports. The Czech Republic was the only candidate. To be elected, she had to gain 97 votes, the country scored 157. It is expected that the Czech Republic will fulfill its duties in the HRC until December 31, 2023. On April 7, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution suspending Russia's work in the UN HRC due to a Russian special operation in Ukraine. The decision of the General Assembly deprived the Russian Federation of the right to vote and the right to speak in the Council. In response, Russia announced that it was terminating its powers in the HRC ahead of schedule. Thus, Russia has moved to the status of an observer at the HRC, which allows it to continue to participate in its work, make its own initiatives and take part in negotiations on draft resolutions. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov stated that the suspension of Russia's membership in the UN HRC is no » does not bring added value to the Council itself, and Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the desire to «cancel» Russia's membership in the UN Human Rights Council as an attempt to influence Moscow for an independent policy. The UN Human Rights Council consists of 47 permanent members who are elected by the General Assembly UN. Permanent members of the HRC have the right to vote during the adoption of resolutions or special sessions that are held by the Council. Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms of office. The Human Rights Council holds at least three regular sessions per year with a total duration of 10 weeks or more. They take place in March, June and September. Russia was previously elected to the 47 permanent members of the HRC for a term from the beginning of 2021 to the end of 2023. will participate in the special session of the UNHRC on Ukraine
