UNHRC

Subject: International Organisation

Context :Pakistan has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council despite opposition from activist groups over its abysmal human rights records

Concept :

The UNHRC

• The UNHRC describes itself as an inter-governmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.
• It addresses situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
• The UNHRC has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.
• The UNHRC replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR).

HRC Meetings

• The Human Rights Council holds no fewer than three regular sessions a year, for a total of at least 10 weeks.
• The sessions are held at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
• If one-third of the Member States so request, the HRC can decide at any time to hold a special session to address human rights violations and emergencies.

Membership

• The Council is made up of 47 UN Member States, which are elected by the UNGA through a direct and secret ballot.
• The General Assembly takes into account the contribution of the candidate states to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard.
• Members of the Council serve for a period of three years, and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

Seats distribution

• African States: 13 seats, Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats, Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats, Western European and other States: 7 seats and Eastern European States: 6 seats.