US decides to rejoin “UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)”

What is the News?
The US President has decided to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The moves come after the former US President had withdrawn from the global body three years ago.

Facts:

 United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• The UNHRC is a United Nations body established in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• Aim: To promote and protect human rights around the globe. Apart from that, the UNHRC also investigate alleged human rights violations in countries.
• Members: The council has 47 members elected for a 3-year term. 5 Regional groups elect these 47 members.
  • Five regional groups for membership: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe.
• Duration: The members are elected for a period of three years. Each member can hold office for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• Meeting: The members meet around three times a year to debate human rights issues. In addition to that, the commission also passes non-binding resolutions and recommendations by majority vote.
• Working: The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR). The commission also engages in the UN’s special procedures.
  • UN’s Special Procedures of Human Rights Council: These are independent human rights experts. They have the mandate to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.
• Universal Periodic Review(UPR): The council also carries out the Universal Periodic Review of all UN member states. This allows civil society groups to bring accusations of human rights violations in member states to the attention of the UN.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Resolutions: The UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but carry moral significance.

Source: The Hindu