Context

Recently, India abstained on a resolution at the Human Rights Council that called on Israel for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

India Abstains on UN Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire

• Introduction of the UN Resolution On Gaza Ceasefire: Pakistan introduced the resolution on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
• Abstention by India: India’s abstention is regarded to be consistent with previous votes on resolutions that did not criticize Hamas.
• Past Resolutions: It voted in favour of three further resolutions condemning Israel’s conduct against Palestinians and advocating for Palestinian rights.
• Countries Against the Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire: The United States, Germany, and four other countries voted against the motion, while India was one of 13 countries that abstained.
• Countries in Favour of the Resolution: Bangladesh, China, the Maldives, the UAE, Indonesia, and others all voted in favor of the motion.
• India’s Support: India supported resolutions concerning Palestinian self-determination, human rights in the Syrian Golan, and Israeli settlements.

About the UNHRC

• Type of Organization: The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental organisation that operates within the United Nations.
• Headquarters: The UN General Assembly established the council in 2006, and it is based in Geneva.
• The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the United Nations’ highest human rights officer.
• Meeting of the Council: The council convenes three times yearly to investigate global human rights issues.
• Members: It is composed of 47 states that are responsible for promoting and protecting all human rights worldwide.
• Procedure for Electing Members: Most General Assembly members elect 47 Member States directly and individually via secret ballot.
  • Candidates for the Human Rights Council are elected in geographical groups to guarantee equitable representation.
• Tenure: Members of the Council serve three-year terms and are ineligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms.

Primary Functions of the UNHRC

• Monitoring and Reporting: It monitors human rights situations worldwide and investigates or commissions inquiries into alleged violations.
• The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique system in which other UN member states examine each country’s human rights record.
• Special Procedures: The UNHRC selects special rapporteurs, independent experts, and working groups to investigate and report on specific human rights concerns or topics.
  • These experts perform fact-finding trips, raise awareness, and offer recommendations regarding human rights violations.