Morocco
Morocco was on Wednesday voted to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council after beating off a challenge from South Africa.
In a vote in Geneva on Wednesday, Morocco’s Ambassador Omar Zniber was elected council president after polling 30 votes. His South African opponent, Mxolisi Nkosi, managed just 17 votes.
The ballot came after Africa, whose turn it was to assume the presidency of the Human Rights Council, failed to agree on a single candidate.
Prior to the vote, South Africa criticized Morocco's human rights record, saying the kingdom's election as chair of the Council would stain the UN rights body's legitimacy.
Morocco is seen by several African countries as an occupying power in Western Sahara. Rabat's candidacy was also opposed by its neighbor Algeria.
The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 with a mandate to protect and promote human rights around the worlds.
Go to video
Former South African deputy president David Mabuza dies at 64
01:05
South Africa: year of power marred by new scandal in coalition government
Go to video
’Black Empowerment’ law stalls Elon Musk's $113 million investment in SA
01:22
World will have to learn to live with heatwaves, UN says
01:39
Sustainable development financing conference opens in Seville
01:30
Uncertainty looms over Nissan South Africa as global restructuring continues