What's Happening?
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a Geneva-based multilateral forum for discussing global human rights issues. It convenes three times a year to address a wide range of rights, including political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights. The Council's innovative Universal Periodic Review mechanism examines the human rights records of all 193 UN member states every four years. The Council also appoints independent experts, known as Special Rapporteurs, to monitor and report on specific human rights situations. Despite controversies, such as the temporary withdrawal of the United States in 2018, the Council remains a vital part of the UN's human rights architecture.
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Why It's Important?
The UNHRC's work is essential for highlighting and addressing human rights violations worldwide. Its mechanisms, such as fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry, bring attention to grave violations and facilitate international dialogue and action. The Council's ability to adopt resolutions and appoint independent experts helps ensure accountability and promotes the protection of human rights. This function is critical for maintaining global peace and security, as human rights are integral to the UN's mission. The Council's work also influences international policy and encourages states to uphold their human rights obligations.
