United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

13 Jul 2023

Context:

Recently, Sri Lanka said that it will back the resolution proposed by Pakistan at the UNHRC condemning the Sweden government’s action to allow the burning of the Quran.

About UNHRC:

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
Established: In 2006 by United Nations General Assembly resolution.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Mandate:

Human Rights Violation: It addresses situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
Discussion : It can discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations.

Membership of the Council:

Members: The Council has 47 members elected for 3 years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
Voting: Direct and secret ballot.
Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution:
- African States: 13 seats
- Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
- Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
- Western European and other States: 7 seats
- Eastern European States: 6 seats
India’s Membership in UNHRC:
- India is re-elected for a sixth term to the UNHRC for the 2022-24 term.
Leadership of the Council: The Council has a five-person Bureau, consisting of a president and four vice-presidents, each representing one of the five regional groups. They serve for a year each, in accordance with the Council’s annual cycle.
Working of the Council: In 2007, the Council adopted an “institution-building package” that established its procedures and mechanisms.The mechanism are:
Universal Periodic Review (UPR): The UPR is a mechanism that assesses the human rights situations in all UN member states on a regular basis.
Advisory Committee: The Advisory Committee serves as the Council’s think tank, providing expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues.
Complaint Procedure: The Complaint Procedure allows individuals and organisations to bring human rights violations to the attention of the Council.