US slammed UN Human Rights Council after Pakistan, China, Russia & Cuba win seats

Pakistan along with China, Russia and Cuba have been elected on the United Nations Human Rights Council despite their abysmal human rights records. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed the UN body tasked with defending human rights for this election.

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Key-Points

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

It was founded in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) that had been strongly criticised for allowing countries with poor human rights records to be members.

It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states.

It also addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.

The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution.

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

India has been elected to the UNHRC for a period of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the UNHRC for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 terms.