Nigeria has secured election into the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, earning one of the available seats on the global body after polling 123 votes during elections conducted at the United Nations headquarters.
The election places Nigeria among the 12 countries chosen to serve on the committee, which oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, a leading international treaty dedicated to promoting women’s rights and gender equality across the world.
Reacting to the outcome, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, described the victory as a major diplomatic achievement. He also congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Nigerian women, saying the result reflected growing international confidence in the country’s efforts to advance gender equality.
“I heartily congratulate the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and indeed all Nigerian women on this remarkable victory,” noting that the West African country’s successful election into the UN CEDAW was a clear demonstration of the confidence the international community reposes in Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the rights, welfare and empowerment of women.
Sri Lanka topped the poll with 144 votes, while Egypt followed with 141 votes and Uganda secured 140. Mongolia received 136 votes, Canada garnered 135, and Estonia and Azerbaijan each polled 133 votes.
Cuba was elected with 128 votes, Spain obtained 125 votes, while Nigeria placed tenth with 123 votes. Mexico followed with 119 votes, and Antigua and Barbuda completed the list of successful candidates after polling 118 votes.
Several countries were unsuccessful in their bids for election to the committee. Mozambique received 103 votes, Gabon polled 101, South Africa secured 73 votes, Burkina Faso obtained 61, Niger recorded 58 votes, Benin received 56 votes, Namibia garnered 55 votes, while Albania finished with 44 votes.
