Recently, the United States announced its intention to rejoin the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, an entity it withdrew from in 2018. The US will resume its position as an observer, with the ultimate goal being elected as a full member.
About the UN Human Rights Council
The UN Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system. It has been given the crucial task of promoting and strengthening human rights globally. Created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, it replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
The Secretariat and Headquarters
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council and maintains its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Composition of the Council
The Council is composed of 47 United Nations Member States. These are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) based on their contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard. Equitable geographical distribution guides the membership of the Council. Seat allocation is as follows: 13 seats each for African and Asia-Pacific States, 8 seats for Latin American and Caribbean States, 7 seats for Western European and other States, and 6 seats for Eastern European States. Members serve for three years and cannot be immediately re-elected after serving two consecutive terms.
Council’s Procedures and Mechanisms
The Council’s key procedures include the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which assesses the human rights situations in all UN Member States, and the Advisory Committee that provides the Council with advice on thematic human rights issues. It also has a Complaint Procedure that allows individuals and organizations to bring human rights violations to the Council’s attention. The Council can also utilize UN Special Procedures, composed of special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts and working groups that monitor, advise and report on thematic issues or human rights situations in specific countries.
Controversial Issues
The composition of Council membership has been a point of contention for critics who note that it often includes countries accused of human rights abuses such as China, Cuba, Eritrea, Russia, and Venezuela. Another cause for concern was the Council’s disproportionate focus on Israel, which led to the USA’s withdrawal in 2018.
India and the UN Human Rights Council
Recently, a group of Special Rapporteurs to the United Nations (UN) contacted the Indian government with concerns over the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020. Also in 2020, India’s National Human Rights Commission submitted its mid-term report to the Council as part of the third round of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Since 1st January 2019, India has been an elected member of the Council for a three-year term.
Last Modified: February 10, 2024