The Basic Structure of The Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. It comprises 47 United Nations member states, which the UN General Assembly elects through a direct and secret ballot. The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, ensuring representation from various regions of the world. The Council meets at the UN Office in Geneva.

Main Functions

The main functions of the HRC include addressing human rights violations and making recommendations on them, a task it carries out through various mechanisms like Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Special Procedures, and Advisory Committees. The UPR assesses human rights situations in all UN member states. Special Procedures involve work by independent human rights experts who report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective, and the Advisory Committee provides expertise and advice on specific human rights issues. The Council plays a critical role in promoting respect for human rights providing a forum for identifying, highlighting, and developing responses to human rights issues.

What are Human Rights?

Human rights are universal principles that protect the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, language, or any other status. These rights are inherent to all human beings and are interdependent, interrelated, and indivisible. They include civil and political rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and freedom of expression, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, like the right to education, health, and adequate living standards. Human rights are legally guaranteed by international treaties, customary international law, general principles, and other sources of international law. They impose obligations on governments to act in specific ways or to refrain from certain acts in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups. Human rights are a cornerstone of public policy and international relations, serving as a framework for addressing injustices and creating a more equitable world.

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