Saudi Arabia failed in its bid to become a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as China and Russia were elected to three-year terms. However, support for China dropped by more than 20 per cent compared with the vote in 2016. 

The 193-member UN General Assembly elected 15 countries to the 47-member council.

Under the Human Rights Council’s rules, seats are allocated to regions to ensure geographical representation.

Except for the Asia-Pacific contest, the election of 15 members to the 47-member Human Rights Council was all but decided in advance because all the other regional groups had uncontested slates.

Four countries won Africa seats: Ivory Coast, Malawi, Gabon and Senegal. 

Russia and Ukraine won the two East European seats. 

In the Latin American and Caribbean group, Mexico, Cuba and Bolivia won the three open seats. 

Britain and France won the two seats for the Western European and others group.

Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal and China won the Asia-Pacific seats.  

The new members will begin their term on January 1, 2021.

India was elected to the UNHRC for a period of three years from January 1, 2019.

United Nations Human Rights Council 

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office in Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. 

The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on  March 15, 2006. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

How are members elected to UNHCR?

The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the majority of members of the General Assembly of the United Nations 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 three 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.

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