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.
