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Context:
India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the global body.
About UNHRC:
- Full Form: United Nations Human Rights Council
- Established: 2006 by the UN General Assembly, replacing the former UN Commission on Human Rights.
- Headquarters: United Nations Office, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Purpose: Promote and protect universal human rights, address violations, and strengthen international cooperation.
Functions of UNHRC:
- Monitors human rights of UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
- Appoints Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to monitor thematic or country-specific issues.
- Adopts resolutions on urgent crises and thematic challenges such as freedom of speech, education, and gender rights.
- Authorizes Fact-Finding Missions and Commissions of Inquiry for investigating human rights violations.
- Provides a platform for dialogue among governments, NGOs, and civil society.
India’s Participation:
- Previous UNHRC tenures: 2006–2007, 2011–2014, 2014–2017, 2017–2020, 2022–2024, and now 2026–2028.
- India has contributed actively on issues like inclusive development, digital rights, and gender equality.
