Written by: Thebana Gnanakrishnan
The United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will be meeting for its 19th session from February 27 – March 23 2012 to discuss matters regarding human rights abuses and violations. Below are some quick and important information you should be aware of regarding the organization as well as its meetings:
What is the UNHRC?
The UNHRC is an intergovernmental 47 member state body within the United Nations that was established in 2006. Its main purpose is to promote the protection of human rights as well as address human rights abuses world-wide. Some of the current members in this council include China, India, Norway, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America.
How does it work?
The UNHRC meets at least three times a year specifically in March, June, and September. These are meetings where ministers and delegates from several countries come together to present reports, discuss independent findings, and have debates on human rights issues. These meetings conclude with the adoption of resolutions and decisions on matters that require further attention.
Along with the regular sessions, special sessions can be held at the request of a member state that is supported by at least one third of the UNHRC body. An example of this would be the special session on May 26 & May 27 2009 requested by the Germany permanent representative on the “Human Rights situation in Sri Lanka”. The council came together to discuss the urgent concerns for civilian life during the end of the civil war.
What should I watch for?
As the 19th session of the UNHRC commences Monday February 27, keep an eye out in the next few weeks for developments for resolutions against countries that have committed human rights violations and continue to do so before the world.
As the Dalai Lama once stated, ““No matter how strong the wind of evil may blow, the flame of truth cannot be extinguished”.
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