UNHRC Full Form

What is the full form of UNHRC?

The full form of UNHRC is United Nations Human Rights Council. It is a United Nations agency with the responsibility of advancing and defending human rights all around the world. 47 individuals were chosen for the Council by their respective regional groups for staggered three-year terms. The Council's main office is in Geneva, Switzerland.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of UNHRC?
2. Participants of the United Nations Human Rights Council
3. UNHRC Criticism

Description of the UNHRC

The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations where countries discuss the human rights situation in member states of the United Nations. The mission of the Security Council is to "promote universal respect for the protection of the rights and fundamental freedoms of all" and "to address and make recommendations on human rights violations, including gross and systematic violations".

The Human Rights Council was established in 2006 by resolution 60/251 as a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly. It replaced the former Human Rights Commission, which operated from 1946 to 2006.

Organizational Structure Of The UN Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an inter-governmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Established in 2006, its primary function is to investigate and address human rights violations. It operates as part of the United Nations (UN) and works in close collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The Human Rights Council is made up of 47 countries, with each member state serving a three-year term. The Council is run by a President, who is elected from amongst the members by direct secret ballot and serves for one year. The President chairs the plenary sessions and organizes the work of the Council, including the coordination of joint initiatives to eliminate human rights violations.

The Council is comprised of independent experts, known as special procedures, who report and advise on human rights events in all parts of the world. It also holds sessions where member countries can discuss human rights issues and approve resolutions related to human rights. Decisions are taken through consensus unless a vote is necessary. The Council also has the mandate to promote the work of the UN, including organizing meetings, public hearings and interactive dialogues with non-governmental organizations and the media.

The Council also has a Committee of Experts, who are responsible for identifying emerging human rights issues and assessing the progress made towards the protection and promotion of human rights globally. The Council also has a permanent Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day administrative matters, including coordinating the Council’s activities and managing its budget.

The Human Rights Council is a part of the overall UN system and works closely with other components of the UN, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with other UN organisations, with the UN peacekeeping operations, and with regional entities such as the European Union and the African Union. The Council is also supported by other organizations such as the International Civil Society, the Council of Europe and the United Nations Network for Human Rights.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of the Council, states are accountable for their actions and must ensure that their governments are fully complying with international law. By upholding the internationally-recognized human rights commitments, every state party is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights for all persons. In addition, the Council is also responsible for raising awareness of important issues, including human rights education, preventing human rights violations, and promoting and sustaining a human rights-based approach to development.

The Complaints Process

Established on 18 June 2007, the Grievance Mechanism helps ensure consistent and credible reporting of violations of human rights and other fundamental freedoms from around the world.

It consists of two working groups to supplement the complaints procedure.

Communications Working Group (WGC):

It consists of five experts selected from each regional group, nominated by the Advisory Board from among its members. After three years of service, the practitioner will decide whether the complaint merits investigation.

Working Group Status (WGS):

If the WGC determines that a human rights complaint needs to be investigated, it will be escalated to this group. The WGS meets twice a year to consider responses from affected countries and cases that are already submitted to UNHRC through the grievance mechanism.

Participants of the United Nations Human Rights Council

The UNHRC consists of 47 member countries from all over the world. The members, called “Participants”, are chosen based on the criteria of being newly elected to the council, having democratic credentials, and having a commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. The term of office for each Participant is three years, and new members are elected each year for a total of 15 new members annually.

The main task of each Participant is to actively participate in the election and selection of members, and in the activities of the council. Specifically, this involves voting on human rights issues, putting forward and supporting proposals, raising issues relating to human rights, and engaging in public statements on human rights issues. Additionally, participants are encouraged to keep a close watch on regional activities in their region, as well as to step in to resolve human rights crises whenever possible.

Furthermore, UNHRC Participants are required to engage in dialogue and negotiations with other governments and civil society organizations, to ensure that human rights treaties and initiatives are implemented and respected, and to ensure that all views are considered and respected by the council. In doing so, Participants uphold the values and principles of the United Nations Charter. By engaging in such activities, Participants provide invaluable support to the UNHRC’s mission to promote and protect human rights.

Overall, Participants of the United Nations Human Rights Council are responsible for ensuring that human rights are respected and promoted around the world. By engaging in dialogue and negotiations and monitoring regional activities, Participants help the UNHRC to maintain a universal system of human rights and help to prevent, investigate and resolve human rights crises worldwide.

UNHRC Criticism

The Commission has been repeatedly criticized for the composition of its members. In particular, some of its member states, including those whose representatives were elected chairmen of the commission, had dubious human rights records.

Members with questionable human rights records: Like the UN Human Rights Commission, the UN Human Rights Council elects members with poor or questionable human rights records, including China, Pakistan, and Russia. It raises questions about how effective or equitable the organization is.

It remains to be seen how effectively the UNHRC will be able to defy criticism and become an organization that should be an open-minded human rights defender.

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