Nepal was elected to the powerful United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term of 2018-2020 in New York on Monday. Nepal will be serving in that capacity for the first time since the UN’s policy-making body was formed in 2006, said the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in a press release.

Nepal secured 166 votes, the highest in the Asia-Pacific group, said the release, adding that Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan were also elected from the region.

“This election marks a humbling moment of paramount importance to Nepal since it reflects the international community’s acknowledgement of Nepal’s passionate efforts and accomplishments in the field of promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Durga Prasad Bhattarai, permanent representative of Nepal to the United Nations, after Nepal’s election to the rights council. “This election also recognises the ability of Nepal to contribute to the work of the HRC from the experience of uniquely successful home-grown and nationally-driven peace process that led to the adoption of human rights-based constitution in 2015 and the country’s resolve to implement the constitution,” he added. “This election offers post-conflict Nepal an unprecedented opportunity to prove its worth as an international contributor in the cause of human rights in Nepal and around the world.”

The term on office of Nepal at the Council begins on January 1, 2018 and ends on December 31, 2020.

The HRC is responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, considering human rights violations and making recommendations thereof; and promoting coordination of human rights within the UN system.