Significance of UNHRC

What is the issue?

• The United States has recently withdrawn from the United Nations Human Rights Council. Click here to know more
• It is essential at this juncture to understand the role of the council in human rights issues. 

What is UNHRC?

• The HRC was established in 2006 as part of the UN’s reform process.
• It replaced the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• UNHRC is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States.
• Members are elected by the UNGA with 3-year terms, with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.
• They are responsible for promotion and protection of human rights.
• It meets 3 times a year to examine human rights violations worldwide.
• Its resolutions are not legally binding but carry moral authority.

What is the concern?

• The main criticism is that it is made up of states not known for their human rights records.
• Many have, in fact, been violators of human rights.
• Current members include Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the UK and a few elected based on geographic quotas.

Why is it still crucial?

• HRC has a fair track record of taking up human rights agenda.
• It has facilitated the evolution of human rights norms.
• There are many less tangible gains from having such a body in place.
• Resolutions adopted have highlighted rights violations, despite resistance by some members.
• The situation in Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, and North Korea are few examples.
• Issues that have been the source of much controversy have been addressed at the HRC, including LGBTIQ rights.
• It is also a forum to monitor international obligations of a state based on international law.
• HRC is thus an important component of the UN rights system.
• Its sustenance with credibility is significant for handling global human rights issues.

Source: The Hindu, The Wire

Quick Facts

OHCHR

• The role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is not to be confused with the HRC.
• OHCHR is a separate institution which presents reports independent of the HRC.
• E.g. the recent report on Kashmir
• The HRC and the OHCHR have separate mandate and functions, but both are part of the UN system for human rights protection.