UPSC Articles
US against Cuba on UNHRC seat
Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International affairs; International Affairs
About:
- U.S. urged UN members not to support Cuba’s bid to join the organisation’s Human Rights Council.
- U.S. administration described Cuba’s sale of medical services, Havana’s main source of foreign exchange, as a form of human trafficking.
Do you know?
- The main criticism against HRC is that – it is made up of states not known for their human rights records. (who are outstandingly bad violators of human rights – China, Cuba and Jordan)
- Countries grossly violating human rights are still elected as members to the body.
- Cuba, which sat on the UNHRC in 2014-2016 and 2017-2019, has applied to fill one of the regional vacancies for 2021-2023.
- The seats are distributed geographically and are awarded for a period of three years. Members are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
About UNHRC
- UNHRC is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.
- It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system.
- It meets at the UN Office at Geneva. The headquarters of UNHRC is in Geneva, Switzerland.
- UNHRC was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006. It is made up of 47 member nations.
