Venezuela enters the UN Human Rights Council

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed on Monday Venezuela's inclusion in the UN Human Rights Council. Argentina and Brazil, for the Latin America region, were also voted as successors of Cuba, Mexico and Uruguay.

In direct and secret voting, and by absolute majority, Venezuela was elected together with 17 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Germany, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Montenegro, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, UAE and the United States, Efe listed.

Venezuela's entry into the Council, to be made formal next January 1, has been harshly criticized by advocates, such as Human Rights Foundation or Human Rights Watch. According to these organizations, the country fails to meet the requirements to form part of an organization that ensures universal rights.