Nepal is preparing to announce its candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council, a key policymaking body shaping the global human rights mindset, in Geneva for the term 2018-20.

Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, who left for Geneva on Saturday, will make an announcement about it in Geneva on Tuesday and seek support for Nepal’s bid from the member states.

Election for the post of member will take place in November later this year. “Foreign Minister Mahat will meet ministers and representatives from the member states gathering for the human rights council and lobby for Nepal’s candidacy,” Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi told the Post.

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry also confirmed the decision. Nepal’s quest is important because a victory will give the country leadership in the global body where it can put forth the nation’s human rights position. The High Level Segment of the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council is being held from February 27 to March 3 in Geneva.

Mahat leads a delegation comprising officials from the PM’s Office and the Foreign Ministry and Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva. Minister Mahat will hold bilateral meetings with ministers from Switzerland, Australia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan, among others. He will also meet with the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights.