India Elected for United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: News on Air
Context: India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the global body.
About India Elected for United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
• What it is? The UNHRC is the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting, protecting, and monitoring human rights across the world.
• The UNHRC is the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting, protecting, and monitoring human rights across the world.
• Established in: Created in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, it replaced the former UN Commission on Human Rights to strengthen the global human rights framework.
• Headquarters: Located at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland.
• Aim: To promote universal respect for human rights, address violations, and make recommendations for their protection through international cooperation and dialogue.
• History: Formed under UNGA Resolution 60/251 (2006) to enhance credibility and effectiveness of human rights monitoring. It works in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Formed under UNGA Resolution 60/251 (2006) to enhance credibility and effectiveness of human rights monitoring.
• It works in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Functions: Reviews human rights performance of all UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Appoints Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to monitor thematic or country-specific issues. Adopts Resolutions addressing urgent crises and thematic challenges such as freedom of speech, education, or gender rights. Authorizes Fact-Finding Missions and Commissions of Inquiry to investigate violations globally. Provides a platform for dialogue between governments, NGOs, and civil society on emerging human rights concerns.
• Reviews human rights performance of all UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
• Appoints Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to monitor thematic or country-specific issues.
• Adopts Resolutions addressing urgent crises and thematic challenges such as freedom of speech, education, or gender rights.
• Authorizes Fact-Finding Missions and Commissions of Inquiry to investigate violations globally.
• Provides a platform for dialogue between governments, NGOs, and civil society on emerging human rights concerns.
• Process of Election: Comprises 47 Member States, elected directly by the UN General Assembly through a secret ballot. Members serve three-year terms, with one-third of seats renewed annually. Membership is distributed regionally: Africa (13), Asia-Pacific (13), Latin America & Caribbean (8), Western Europe (7), Eastern Europe (6). States can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• Comprises 47 Member States, elected directly by the UN General Assembly through a secret ballot.
• Members serve three-year terms, with one-third of seats renewed annually.
• Membership is distributed regionally: Africa (13), Asia-Pacific (13), Latin America & Caribbean (8), Western Europe (7), Eastern Europe (6).
• States can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• India and the HRC: India has served on the Council seven times (2006–2007, 2011–2014, 2014–2017, 2017–2020, 2022–2024, and now 2026–2028). It has actively contributed to global discussions on inclusive development, digital rights, and gender equality.
• India has served on the Council seven times (2006–2007, 2011–2014, 2014–2017, 2017–2020, 2022–2024, and now 2026–2028).
• It has actively contributed to global discussions on inclusive development, digital rights, and gender equality.