United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the seventh time for a three-year term (2026-28).

About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• The UNHRC is an intergovernmental body within the UN mandated to promote and protect universal human rights worldwide.
• It was established in 2006, replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights, & is headquartered in Geneva.
• The Council benefits from substantive, technical, and secretariat support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• India’s Role: Served as a member for the 2019–2021 and 2022–2024 terms, engaging in key resolutions.

Membership

• UNHRC has 47 members elected for three-year terms on a regional group basis.
• Member States are elected by the majority of members of the UN General Assembly through a direct and secret ballot.
• Members are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
• The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows:
  1. African States: 13 seats
  2. Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
  3. Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
  4. Western European and other States: 7 seats
  5. Eastern European States: 6 seats
• A two-thirds vote in the General Assembly can suspend a member for gross human rights violations.
• Non-members may attend Council sessions as observer states but do not have voting rights.

Working Mechanisms

• Universal Periodic Review: It evaluates the human rights situation in all UN member states through reports from states and stakeholders.
• Advisory Committee: Serves as the Council’s think tank, offering insights on studies and expert advice.