The United Nations Human Rights Council is not a perfect institution. Yet it is one of the most important tools that we, the international community, have in the fight against grave human rights violations. It gives us and our partners a forum in which we can speak out for those who do not have a seat at the table. To advocate, for example, for the brave women and girls in Iran who are risking their lives by fighting for their rights and freedom. They can rest assured that Germany will take up their cause in Geneva, as well.

The fact that, today, 167 states voted for Germany to serve on the Human Rights Council for a further three years is also a vote of confidence – and we will not disappoint those who have placed their trust in us. Germany will continue to use this forum to pursue accountability for the most serious human rights violations. And we will campaign for issues affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world – such as the right to safe drinking water, the issue of women’s and marginalised groups’ rights, resources and representation, and the human rights aspects of climate change.