Moldova was elected as member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2010-2013 with the vote of 175 member countries, following elections to the UN General Assembly in New York on 13 May. This is the result of consistent diplomatic efforts made over the last years by the Foreign and European Integration Ministry and its permanent representations in Geneva and New York.

Moldova put forward its candidacy for the Human Rights Council in 2006. The country's diplomatic service involved in a sustained process of assertion of Moldova's objectives in terms of respect for human rights and promotion both at the national and international levels.

Once elected in this UN structure, Moldova needs to prove consistency in the implementation of multilateral human rights treaties signed by the country, to cooperate with the UN monitoring structures and mechanisms, and to contribute to the council's activity by promoting these mechanisms among the member states.

The UN Human Rights Council was set up in 2006, replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights. The council is made up of 47 members (sovereign states) elected according to the principle of commitment and degree of respect for human rights, as well as of an equitable geographic representation. The council's meetings are held at the Geneva-based UN Office.