Irishman Michael O'Flaherty is the Council of Europe's new Commissioner for Human Rights.
He won 104 votes out of an available 211, during a vote by the Parliamentary Assembly of the 46-nation group.
Mr O'Flaherty is the first Irish person to serve in the position and will begin his six-year term in April.
He was one of three candidates who were vying for the role.
In the first round of voting yesterday, Mr O'Flaherty topped the poll with 97 votes, followed by Meglena Kuneva from Bulgaria with 78 votes and Manfred Nowak from Austria on 75 votes.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Mr O'Flaherty said he was "very relieved" and "hugely honoured" to be the Commissioner for Human Rights, but added that "a huge responsibility" comes with the post.
He said one of his top priorities would be addressing all human rights violations in Ukraine including the abduction of Ukrainian children who have been taken to Russia by its armed forces.
Mr O'Flaherty said he was also very concerned at the "crisis" regarding the spread of both misinformation and disinformation, which has led to a rise in Islamophobia.
The new Commissioner said his office would be at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, but his intention was to spend most of his time on the "roads and streets" of Europe addressing human rights concerns.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has welcomed the outcome of the vote, he said Mr O'Flaherty's "election as Commissioner is a mark of the high regard in which he is held".
"His extensive human rights expertise, strong record of leadership and demonstrated courage, integrity and resilience, are qualities that will benefit him as he takes up his new role," he said.
"The office of Commissioner is central to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. Never have these ideals and principles been more important," he added.
Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke said Mr O’Flaherty’s "attachment to the values of the Council of Europe are undeniable and Ireland is proud to have supported his candidacy for the position."
Mr O’Flaherty previously served as Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway and as Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
He was also a member of the UN Human Rights Committee.
