It will be the first time a German leads the UN Human Rights Council when Joachim Rücker takes over in 2015. An economist by training, he served as Germany's envoy to the UN until his appointment to the new post at UNHRC. He told press agency DPA that UNHRC has raised hopes for human rights since its creation in 2006, but much progress is still desired.

"I want to advocate for a stronger participation by civil society in the work of the body and to promote a culture in which there is neither place for intimidation nor threats against the civil society.”