The UAE has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a second time. Its three-year term begins on January 1, 2016. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash has described the win as a reflection of the country’s positive role in human rights-related issues. The UAE received the second-highest share of total votes garnered by Asian nations in the secret ballot conducted by the UN General Assembly. 32 countries had been vying for 18 vacant seats in the Geneva-based council.