Right on the heels of Meryl’s post reminding you that homosexuals have no rights whatsoever in many Arab/Islamic countries (including the right to live), I’m sure it will warm the cockles of your heart to know that one of those countries is ready to stand up and defend human rights across the globe…

The Kingdom is vying today for one of the 47 seats of the newly formed United Nations Human Rights Council. Sixty-five countries have announced their candidacies for a place on the council. The election is being held by the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Saudi government launched its official bid to win a seat on the new council in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General Kofi Annan on April 23.

“Saudi Arabia has a confirmed commitment with the defense, protection and promotion of human rights. This commitment has been manifested in its performance as a member of the Commission on Human Rights. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia pursues the policy of active cooperation with international organizations in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said the letter.

Watch a few videos of Islamic sermons on Saudi state television calling Jews “the sons of monkeys, pigs, and dogs” on MEMRI for a while and I’m sure you’ll be clamoring for the Saudis to join this esteemed group of guardians of universal human rights.

While you’re at it, be sure to get your list of 47 countries together and head over to IMAO to build your Fantasy UN Human Rights Council roster.