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.
