USA plans to re-engage with United Nations Human Rights Council

  • IASbaba
  • February 10, 2021
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USA plans to re-engage with United Nations Human Rights Council

Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – International Relations

In news 

  • The USA has announced plans to re-engage with the much-maligned UN Human Rights Council that the former President withdrew from almost three years ago.

Important value additions 

  • The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system.
  • Location: Geneva.
  • Establishment: It was founded in 2006.
  • It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) that had been strongly criticised for allowing countries with poor human rights records to be members. 
  • Functions: (1) It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states; (2) It also addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
  • The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
  • Membership: 47 Member States elected by the UN General Assembly.
  • The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution.
  • Members of the Council serve for three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
  • India has been elected to the UNHRC for three years beginning January 1, 2019. 
  • India had previously been elected to the UNHRC for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 terms.

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