Context:
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to pull the US out of the UN Human Rights Council. The order further forbids funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinian refugees, representing a sharp policy turn for the United States on foreign policy.
UNESCO Membership
- He also ordered the US to review its involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- This organization, UNESCO, which makes use of culture and history to develop international cooperation may have to reappraise its involvement with the US under the new directive set by Trump.
- These actions represent the Trump administration’s position in limiting US involvement with international bodies it deems biased or ineffective, especially regarding issues related to Israel and Palestine.
- The US’s withdrawal from these organizations may have profound effects on the world’s diplomatic relations and humanitarian work.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
- Founded In
- 15 March 2006
- President
- JĂĽrg Lauber
- Headquarter
- Geneva, Switzerland
Mission and Role
- The UNHRC is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations. It is concerned with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
- Examines grievances against UN member states for their human rights violations. In addition, thematic concerns over:
- Freedom of association and assembly.
- Freedom of speech.
- Freedom of thought and religion.
- Women’s rights.
- LGBT rights
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Rights
Governance
- The body was created by a resolution of the UN General Assembly in March 15, 2006, following a decision of replacement of UNCHR.
- There are 47 member states composing UNHRC, they have their election during General Assembly of UN for terms running for three years with rotation or staggered period.
- No country can serve more than two consecutive terms.
- Its members are elected on regional basis based on equitable geographic rotation.
Sessions
- The United Nations Human Rights Council meets through regular sessions three times a year in March, June, and September.
- It can also host special sessions on the basis of one third of the members for the issue of utmost concern towards human rights. Until now, up to November 2023, 36 special sessions have been conducted.
Regional Representation
- The Council has 47 seats divided along the following lines:
- 13 seats to be allocated to the African Group
- 13 seats to the Asia Pacific Group
- 6 seats to the Eastern European Group
- 8 seats to the Latin American and Caribbean Group
- 7 seats to the Western European and Others Group
