The United Nations Human Rights Council is the main multilateral body for the protection and promotion of human rights around the world. Set up on 15 March 2006, it is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, is of an inter-governmental nature, with headquarters in Geneva, and is made up of 47 United Nations States elected at the General Assembly through a direct and secret vote for a period of three years. Spain is a country deeply committed to human rights. Its protection and promotion is a priority cornerstone of our foreign policy. During its mandate, Spain will primarily promote those areas in which our experience allows us to provide added value to the work of the Council. These areas include fighting the death penalty; promoting the rights of people with disability; the fight against discrimination and achieving real and effective equal opportunities; the defence and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, including the human rights to drinking water and sanitation; the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, and the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

As a firm proponent of preserving the integrity and credibility of the Human Rights Council, Spain will support the efforts to improve its efficacy at an international level during its mandate.