Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Business Standard
Context: Russia is facing a challenging battle to regain a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
- Russia is competed against Albania and Bulgaria for two seats in the East European regional group.
- The United States and other nations have been actively campaigning against Russia’s re-election, citing concerns about its human rights record, including alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
- Human Rights Watch has also criticized Russia and China, stating that they are unfit to serve on the council due to their ongoing human rights abuses.
- By secret ballot, the Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi and the Netherlands. All 15 members will serve three-year terms beginning on 1 January 2024
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body that promotes and protects human rights around the world.
