‘Syria on UN Human Rights Council a new Guinness record’

[shira]

Diplomats and NGOs greeted with skepticism and incredulity the news that Syria and Iran intend to run for spots on the UN Human Rights Council. The elections, which will be held in November, are for three-year terms running from January 2014 through December 2016.

“A new Guinness record at the UN?” said a sarcastic Ron Prosor, Israel’s UN ambassador. “Syria and Iran in the Human Rights Council is like giving organized crime bosses responsibility for the witness protection program.”

“Syria’s candidacy, if maintained, would be a cruel joke, but would almost certainly be met with a resounding defeat,” Human Rights Watch’s Philippe Bolopion told Reuters. “Iran too falls far short of the most basic standards expected of Human Rights Council members and sticks out even in an overall disappointing pool of candidates in the Asia group, with deeply problematic contenders…”

China, Jordan, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam are also vying for the four seats allotted to Asia. There are 14 seats open in the 47-member body.

more...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-on-un-human-rights-council-a-new-guinness-record/

[David__77]

1. Iran has a better rights record than Saudi Arabia, by just about any measure.

But really, the UN is not a club for a few, nor is is subject to popular democracy, it's a body representative of sovereign states.

[Scootaloo]

2. If only "the best of us" held position in the UN...

The world would be run by Finland.

Eläköön Suomi, maailman kuningas!

[sabbat hunter]

3. given the history of the UNHRC

Syria, Iran, SA and China will probably be elected.

[King_David]

4. Who's surprised by this ?

Ha ha , and some people actually thinks the UNHCR has some credibility .

Ha ha ha