Photo: CGTN

New York (People's Daily) - China was elected as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2021-2023 at the election held during the 75th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

"China expresses heartfelt gratitude to member states for their support and warmly congratulates other elected members," according to a press release issued by the Chinese mission to the United Nations.

"China always attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. Following a path with Chinese characteristics, China has made great achievements in human rights development," the press release said.

The Human Rights Council was founded in 2006 and is the organization of the United Nations responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly and composed of 47 member states. The members of the Council are elected by the General Assembly for a term of three years and can only be re-elected for a single term.

China has been elected to the Human Rights Council five times in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 and 2020.