About UNHRC

• The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system.
• The Council’s mandate is to promote “universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all” and “address situations of violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations thereon.”
• It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. 
• The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• The headquarters of UNHRC is in Geneva, Switzerland.

Membership

• 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 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.

Why in News?

• The UN’s top human rights body has voted overwhelmingly to appoint a three-person panel of experts to monitor human rights in Ukraine, where Russia launched military operations. The Human Rights Council voted 32-2, with 13 abstentions, to pass a resolution that was presented by many Western countries and others who have spoken out against Moscow’s attack on its neighbor. 
• Only Russia and Eritrea opposed the resolution, with China abstaining. 

Reference:

1. https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=UNHRC-votes-for-formation-of-commission-of-inquiry-to-monitor-alleged-human-rights-violations-by-Russian-army-in-Ukraine&id=436599