Iran Joins UN Gender Equality Body, US “Disappointed”

The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) elected Iran as a board member of the UN Women.

The 54-member ECOSOC on Friday held a secret ballot on the uncontested Asia-Pacific regional slate for the board of UN Women, which was created in 2010 as a body for gender equality and empowerment of women. Iran was elected with 36 votes.
Only 53 council members voted, diplomats were quoted by Reuters as saying on Friday.

Washington, however, is not happy. In a statement, US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said she was “extremely disappointed” that the Asia-Pacific group had endorsed Iran’s candidacy for the three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2016.