Old and new challenges for the Human Rights Council as it turns 20
Old and new challenges for the Human Rights Council as it turns 20
Old and new challenges for the Human - Two decades have passed since the UN Human Rights Council commenced its mission as the primary global platform dedicated to upholding and safeguarding essential rights, especially for those most at risk in society.
“Human rights were built for moments like this,” said Awa Dabo, the newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, reflecting on times when rights face pressure and when people require protection and principles are put into practice.
Established to succeed the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Council comprises 47 Member States. At its inception, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan emphasized the need to steer clear of “political point-scoring or petty manoeuvre,” a critique directed at the body’s early days in June 2006.
As it enters its 62nd session in Geneva, the Council is more active than ever, addressing fresh emergencies and ongoing conflicts. Yet, questions remain about its effectiveness and ability to evolve within a world where human rights are frequently attacked and abused, as highlighted by UN chief António Guterres during a special event celebrating the Council’s 20-year journey.
Founding Challenges and Diverse Perspectives
Luis Alfonso de Alba Góngora, the Council’s inaugural president, recalls the difficulties of its formation. “Building the Council was not an easy task,” he noted, pointing out the varied opinions among Member States about what should change or stay from the previous Commission on Human Rights.
The international environment at the time was also tense, with several nations resisting the new institution. Conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon mirrored today’s challenges, complicating the Council’s early efforts.
Inclusive Dialogue and Global Representation
One of the Council’s core objectives from the start was to foster broad participation. This included voices from governments, non-governmental organizations, investigators, and activists, ensuring marginalized groups like Indigenous Peoples are included in discussions.
“I have attended numerous interactive panels featuring children and young people, alongside survivors and victims,” explained Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. “This is a model the UN should champion and expand.”
Role of Delegates and Informal Negotiations
Council presidents, chosen on a rotating basis from regional blocs, often remind delegates of the importance of mutual respect. This serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by activists, who must navigate environments where their concerns can be silenced.
Another vital aspect is the Council’s human rights investigators. These experts monitor critical situations, issue reports, and highlight issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Farida Shaheed, a Special Rapporteur on education, described them as the “frontline for voices that are unheard.”
Resolutions and Peer Review Process
The Council operates with higher authority than its predecessor, functioning as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly. It convenes three times annually, each session presenting dozens of resolutions covering topics from human rights in countries like South Sudan to environmental protection and freedom of religion.
Many resolutions are approved without formal voting, though some undergo revisions or are withdrawn after informal discussions. These backroom talks often occur near the UN’s coffee machines, as delegates move between the Council’s iconic Geneva meeting room and other venues.
When consensus fails, such as on issues related to Ukraine, the Council resorts to voting. While critics accuse it of anti-Israeli bias, supporters stress its peer-review mechanism, which evaluates all UN Member States every four and a half years.