UNHRC Exit by the US: Council Structure and Key Facts
Why in the news
President Donald Trump signed an order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council, stopping funds for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and starting a review of UNESCO membership. It reflects distrust of bodies seen as biased or ineffective, especially on Israel-Palestine.
About UNHRC
- Created: 15 March 2006 by a UN General Assembly resolution, replacing the UNCHR.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; president named: Jürg Lauber.
- Role: promotes human rights worldwide and examines complaints against states over freedoms, women’s, minority and LGBT rights.
- Sessions: three regular ones yearly (March, June, September); special sessions need one-third of members. By November 2023, 36 had been held.
- Elections: members chosen at the General Assembly on equitable regional rotation, in staggered three-year terms.
| Regional group | Seats |
|---|---|
| African | 13 |
| Asia-Pacific | 13 |
| Latin American and Caribbean | 8 |
| Western European and Others | 7 |
| Eastern European | 6 |
Exam angle
- Total seats: 47; term limit: two consecutive terms.
- UNESCO uses culture and history to foster international cooperation.