ISLAMABAD, May 5: Pakistan has been re-elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights against one of the Asian seats for the term 2005-2007. Elections were held on May 4 during the organisational session of the 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Pakistan received 43 votes.

According to a press release, Pakistan has been an active member of the commission, which is the pre-eminent norm-setting and monitoring organ of the UN human rights machinery.

Pakistan brings a unique perspective to the discussions in the Commission on Human Rights based on its progressive and modern outlook on one hand and its cultural and religious moorings rooted in Islam on the other.

Pakistan was first elected to the commission in 1951. It has served as a member almost continuously of human rights norms and standards. Pakistan believes in the full realization of all civil and political rights while placing equal emphasis on promotion and realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

Pakistan was in the forefront of the effort to draft, negotiate and adopt the International Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Pakistan was a consistent supporter of the struggle against apartheid and the right to self-determination.

Pakistan has the distinction of serving as coordinator of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in the Commission on Human Rights. As a member of the OIC, Pakistan has promoted a greater understanding of the perspective of the Muslim countries in the Commission on Human Rights while emphasising the universality of human rights.