media release
Edited by: CFJ
Geneva – January 11, 2024
The Human Rights Council elected Ambassador Omar Zniber, the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations Office at Geneva, as its President for 2024 in a secret ballot process. All 47 members of the human rights body participated in the election, marking the Council’s 18th annual cycle.
Expressing gratitude, Ambassador Zniber emphasized the honor bestowed upon both the Kingdom of Morocco and himself. As the newly elected head, he acknowledged the responsibility to fulfill the Council’s essential mission, emphasizing the promotion, respect, and guarantee of universally recognized human rights.
Ambassador Zniber assumes the presidency immediately, joining Council vice-presidents Ambassador Febrian Ruddyard of Indonesia, Ambassador Darius Staniulis of Lithuania, Ambassador Marcelo Eliseo Scappini Ricciard of Paraguay, and Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox of Finland, elected earlier in December 2023.
Competing for the presidency from the Africa Group of States, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi of South Africa garnered 17 votes, while Ambassador Zniber secured 30 votes, leading to his election per the rule of procedure.
Omar Zniber has been the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN Office at Geneva since 2018. His diplomatic career includes ambassadorial roles in Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Austria, with accreditation to international organizations in Vienna. A career diplomat, he held key positions in Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, demonstrating a strong background in international public law, evidenced by his Ph.D. from Université Paris II Panthéon Assas, France (1986).
Ambassador Zniber’s election signifies Morocco’s commitment to advancing human rights on the international stage, setting the stage for a productive 18th cycle under his leadership.
