“Very close vote, good countries competing — Croatia, Hungary; they are fortunate because of their size they are not as exposed to the winds of international diplomacy. Russia is quite exposed,” Churkin said following a meeting of the UN Security Council.
“We’ve been there a number of years. I’m sure next time we are going to get it,” he added.
Russia had been competing with Croatia and Hungary to represent Eastern Europe on the panel.
Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch and about 80 other nongovernmental organizations issued a letter urging countries not to support Moscow’s bid due to Russian policy in Syria. The letter also urged countries against voting for Saudi Arabia because of its rights violations, but the General Assembly backed Riyadh’s candidacy.
The 47-member Council is an intergovernmental body responsible for protecting human rights and addressing violations.
