IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Human Rights Council

8th April, 2022 International Relations

Copyright infringement is not intended

Context: U.N. suspends Russia from Human Rights Council to which it was elected in 2020.

More about news:

  • ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council’ resolution , was proposed by a group of countries that included Ukraine, the U.S., the EU, several Latin American countries and required a two-thirds majority of those present and voting for adoption.
  • India abstained for reasons of “substance and process”. India, were of the view that adopting the resolution would violate due process and impact the credibility of the organisation.
  • Countries in India’s neighbourhood — Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives — abstained.
  • China, voted against the resolution, citing lack of proper consultation prior to the vote and the risk that the move would exacerbate the conflict.

About UNHRC:

  • The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental bodywithin the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
  • It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.
  • It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
  • The Council is made up of 47 United Nations MemberStates which are elected by the UN General Assembly.
  • The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
  • Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

 https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-general-assembly-votes-to-suspend-russia-from-un-human-rights-council-india-abstains/article65300553.ece