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

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.