The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council(UNHRC).

Note: This is only the second time the UNGA has suspended a country from the 47-member UN Human Rights Council after its formation in 2006. In 2011, Libya was thrown out through a resolution adopted by UNGA through consensus.

Why was Russia suspended?

The resolution titled ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council was first moved by the United States over Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.

About- The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the ‘United Nations’ system.

• The UNHRC replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 by a resolution.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Mandate:

• It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.
• It addresses situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

Membership:

The Council is made of 47 Member States, elected by the General Assembly of the UN through direct and secret ballot.

• The General Assembly takes into account the candidate States’ contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard.
• 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

Members of the Council serve for a period of 3 years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

The Bureau of the Council consists of five people – one President and four Vice-presidents – representing the five regional groups. They serve for a year, in accordance with the Council’s annual cycle.

Source: ForumIAS