The government of Hungary decided in 2006 to put forward her candidacy to the membership of Human Rights Council of the UN for the period of 2009-2012. Hungary as candidate of the Eastern European Group, had to compete for one of the two available seats with Azerbaijan and Russia. The Human Rights Council elections were held in New York on May 12^th, 2009. Obtaining 131 votes, Hungary has been elected as member of the most important human rights organization, the Human Rights Council which consists of 47 members. Besides Hungary Russia has won a seat in the Eastern European Group of HRC. The following states have the opportunity to be actively involved in the work of the Council in Geneva. African States: Senegal, Mauritius, Nigeria, Cameron, Djibouti. Asian States: Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, China, Saud Arabia. Latin American and Caribbean States: Mexico, Uruguay, Cuba. Western European and Other States: Norway, Belgium, U.S.

On the one hand, the Hungarian diplomacy had to meet the challenges with regard to our candidacy since our country has put a lot of effort in the lobbying process to underline our human rights priorities, conception and goals for the three-year term. On the other hand, in the well-prepared campaign process, Hungary managed to convince the member states that her international contribution not only would serve national and Central European interests, but it would also facilitate the solutions for crises in other parts of the world. A good example for the expected meaningful role of Hungary is the possible establishment of the proposed International Center for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities in Budapest.

We look forward to working with the members of the HRC from the 19^th June, 2009.