India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for a three-year term (2026–28), marking its seventh term since the body’s formation in 2006.

About the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)

• Established: March 2006 by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights.
• Mandate: To promote and protect human rights globally, address violations, and make recommendations.
• Headquarters: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Support: The Council benefits from technical, and secretariat support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Structure & Membership:
  • Composition: 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
  • Regional Distribution:
    • 13 seats for African States
    • 13 for Asia-Pacific
    • 8 for Latin American and Caribbean States
    • 7 for Western European and other States
    • 6 for Eastern European States
  • Election Process: Members are elected through direct and secret ballot, considering their contribution to human rights promotion.
  • Term Limits: A member can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. 

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• Functions
  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Assesses the human rights records of all 193 UN member states every four years.
  • Special Procedures: Appoints independent experts (Special Rapporteurs) to monitor and report on specific human rights issues or country situations.
  • Resolutions & Recommendations: Adopts resolutions addressing human rights violations and makes recommendations to member states.
  • Advisory Committee:  Serves as the Council’s “think tank,” providing it with expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues.
  • Fact-Finding Missions: Establishes commissions of inquiry to investigate serious human rights violations.
• Bureau & Leadership: The Human Rights Council is presided over by a rotating bureau.
• • Bureau Composition: Consists of a President and four Vice-Presidents, each representing one of the five UN regional groups.
  • Presidency: The President oversees the Council’s sessions and represents it in diplomatic matters.
  • Term Duration: Each member of the Bureau serves a one-year term.

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