United Nations Human Rights Council

Why in news?

• UN Human Rights Council adopted the draft resolution ‘Countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence’, with 28 members voting in favour, seven abstentions and 12 nations voting against.

Key facts about United Nations Human Rights Council

• It is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.
• It was created by the General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by replacing the Commission on Human Rights.
• It has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis.
• The members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
• The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution.
• Function:
  • It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states, and addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women’s rights, LGBTI rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.

Q1) What are rights?

Rights refer to the entitlements and freedoms that individuals possess by virtue of being human. They are considered fundamental to the dignity, well-being, and equality of all people.

Source: In U.N. Human Rights Council vote, India stands against desecration of Quran

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