United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council

In News 

Recently ,India abstained on a vote at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as the Council decided to set up an international commission of enquiry into Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

About UN  Human Rights Council

• It is an inter-governmental body within 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 making recommendations on them. 
  • It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. 
• It was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.
• It meets at the UN Office in Geneva.

• Membership
  • The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. 
  • The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows:
    • African States: 13 seats
    • Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
    • Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
    • Western European and other States: 7 seats
    • Eastern European States: 6 seats

• Terms : Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

• Funding:
  • Almost two-thirds of UN Human Rights income comes from voluntary contributions from the Member States and other donors. 
    • The remainder is covered by the UN regular budget.
  • The UN regular budget, approved by the General Assembly, is funded by “assessed contributions” from each Member State. 
  • These are determined according to a formula that takes into account the size and strength of their respective national economies.

Source:TH