UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)
The Human Rights Council (HRC) is a body within the United Nations (UN) system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It was established in 2006 to replace the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which had faced criticism for being ineffective and politicized.
The HRC is comprised of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for staggered three-year terms. Members are chosen based on their commitment to human rights and their willingness to uphold high standards in this regard. The council meets several times a year in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss and address human rights issues globally.
The council's responsibilities include:
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The HRC examines human rights situations in different countries, receives reports from special rapporteurs, and can establish commissions of inquiry or fact-finding missions to investigate specific situations.
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The council plays a key role in developing and promoting international human rights standards and norms. It adopts resolutions, decisions, and declarations on various human rights issues.
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The HRC supports countries in strengthening their human rights institutions and practices through technical assistance, advisory services, and capacity-building programs.
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The council conducts periodic reviews of the human rights records of all UN member states through the UPR mechanism. During these reviews, countries' human rights records are examined, and recommendations are made to address any shortcomings
- The Human Rights Council was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March 15, 2006, succeeding the former UN Commission on Human Rights. Its inaugural session took place from June 19 to June 30, 2006.
- In 2007, the Council implemented an "institution-building package" to establish its operational procedures and mechanisms. These included the introduction of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, designed to evaluate the human rights conditions in all UN Member States.
- Additionally, the Advisory Committee was established to serve as a repository of expertise for the Council, offering guidance on thematic human rights matters. Moreover, the Complaint Procedure was introduced, enabling individuals and organizations to bring instances of human rights violations to the Council's attention.
- Furthermore, the Council collaborates with the UN Special Procedures, originally established by the former Commission on Human Rights. This framework comprises special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts, and working groups tasked with monitoring, examining, advising, and reporting on specific human rights issues or conditions in individual countries
- The Council convenes at the UN Office located in Geneva, Switzerland, and comprises 47 UN Member States elected through a direct and confidential ballot by majority vote at the UNGA. The selection process, as outlined on the Council's website, considers the candidate States' efforts in advancing and safeguarding human rights, alongside their voluntary commitments in this domain.
- Membership distribution within the Council ensures geographical equity. African and Asia-Pacific states hold 13 seats each, Latin American and Caribbean states possess 8 seats, Western European and other states have 7 seats, and Eastern European states hold 6 seats.
- Each member serves a term of three years and is ineligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. Membership entails a responsibility to uphold rigorous human rights standards, a criterion underscored by States themselves during the adoption of resolution 60/251 in March 2006, which established the Human Rights Council, according to the Council.
- Allegedly, Russia has breached this responsibility in Ukraine. Russia commenced its three-year term as a member of the Council on January 1, 2021
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Leadership of the Council
The Council is governed by a Bureau comprising five individuals: a president and four vice-presidents, with each representing a different regional group. Their terms last for one year, aligned with the Council's annual cycle. Leading the Human Rights Council during the 16th Cycle (2022) is Federico Villegas, who serves as the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the UN and other international bodies in Geneva. Villegas assumed the presidency of the Human Rights Council for the year 2022 following his election in December 2021.
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- The Human Rights Council convenes at least three regular sessions annually, totaling a minimum of 10 weeks. These sessions occur in March (4 weeks), June (3 weeks), and September (3 weeks). The most recent regular session (49th) of the Council took place from February 28 to April 1, 2022.
- In the event that a third of the Member states request it, the Council has the authority to convene a special session at any point to address urgent human rights violations and crises.
- During the presidency of Nazhat S Khan from Fiji, the Council held a notable five special sessions in 2021, focusing on issues concerning Myanmar, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Ethiopia
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For Prelims: UNHRC, UNGA, Amnesty International
For Mains: 1.Discuss the role and significance of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in addressing global human rights issues. Highlight its key functions, mechanisms, and achievements, with a particular emphasis on its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which one of the following statements regarding the Human Rights Council is not correct? (CDS GK 2018)
A.It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of all members of the UN.
B.It is responsible for the promotion and protection of all human nights around the globe.
C.It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
D.It is made up of 47 UN Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly.
Answer (A)
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