Czechia only candidate so far to replace Russia on UN Human Rights Council

The Czech Republic is so far the only candidate for the seat on the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council, from which Russia has been excluded, assembly spokeswoman Paulina Kubiak told the AP agency on Thursday. However, other countries may also express interest in membership before the vote on May 11.

The UN General Assembly approved the suspension of Russia’s membership in the UNHRC on April 7 following reports that Russian soldiers were killing civilians in Ukraine.

Seats on the Geneva-based council are divided among regional groups and according to the rules, a replacement for Russia has to come from an Eastern of Central European country.