AbdulRehman Foundation

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations (UN) system that is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It was established on March 15, 2006, through UN General Assembly resolution 60/251 to replace the former UN Commission on Human Rights.

The HRC consists of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly, with seats distributed among the five regional groups: African States, Asian States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and Western European and other States. The members serve for a period of three years and are eligible for immediate re-election once their term expires.

The primary functions of the Human Rights Council include:

1. Universal Periodic Review (UPR): It conducts a periodic review of the human rights records of all UN member states. This process allows for an assessment of each country’s human rights situation and provides recommendations for improvement.
2. Special Procedures: The HRC appoints independent experts, known as special rapporteurs or special procedures, to investigate and report on specific human rights issues or country situations. These experts can focus on topics such as freedom of expression, torture, or the rights of specific groups like women, children, or migrants.
3. Advisory Role: The Council can provide advice and recommendations to the UN General Assembly and other UN bodies on matters related to human rights.
4. Promotion and Prevention: The HRC promotes human rights education and awareness, encourages the development of national human rights institutions, and works to prevent human rights violations.
5. Addressing Urgent Human Rights Situations: The Council can hold special sessions to address urgent and serious human rights situations, as well as establish fact-finding missions or commissions of inquiry to investigate alleged human rights abuses.

It’s important to note that the Human Rights Council has faced some criticism regarding its composition and effectiveness. Some argue that certain member states with poor human rights records have been elected to the Council, which undermines its credibility. Additionally, political considerations and power dynamics among member states can sometimes limit the effectiveness of the Council’s actions. However, it remains a significant forum for promoting dialogue, raising awareness, and addressing human rights issues on a global scale.