SYLLABUS:

GS-2:  Important International institution, agencies and fora - their Structure, Mandate.

Context: 

India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, reflecting its continued commitment to upholding global human rights.

More on the News

• India has been elected for the seventh time to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term (2026–28) starting January 1, 2026.
• The election was held at the UN General Assembly, where India received overwhelming support from member nations.
• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed gratitude to all delegations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• India last served on the Council for the 2022–2024 term and took a mandatory break in 2025 as per UN rules that prohibit a third consecutive term.
• Other countries elected for the 2026–28 term include Angola, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
• India’s re-election highlights its role as a bridge-builder and advocate of dialogue in addressing global human rights challenges.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the victory underscores global trust in India’s balanced approach to human rights, combining development priorities with protection of freedoms.
• Excluding the upcoming term, India has previously served six times on the UN Human Rights Council during 2006–2007, 2008–2010, 2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2019–2021, and 2022–2024.

About the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The UN Human Rights Council is the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

The Council was established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, replacing the Commission on Human Rights.

• India has been a member of the Council continuously since its creation. 

It is composed of 47 member states, elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms under equitable geographic distribution.

The seats are distributed as follows: 

• African States – 13
• Asia-Pacific States – 13
• Eastern European States – 6
• Latin American and Caribbean States – 8
• Western European and Other States – 7.

The Council provides a forum for dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues and addresses violations through resolutions, reviews, and investigations.

The Council also responds to human rights emergencies and makes recommendations for corrective measures.

Source:
Ohchr.org
The Hindu
New Indian Express
Business-Standard