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Russia Seeks to Rejoin UN Human Rights Council amid International Scrutiny

  • 28 Sep 2023

Russia is recently aiming to regain a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, a significant move that will test its global reputation following its expulsion from the council last year due to its actions in Ukraine.

Key Points

  • Previous Expulsion: Russia was removed from the UN Human Rights Council in April 2022 after its military intervention in Ukraine.
  • Renewed Effort: Russian diplomats are now seeking re-election to the council for a fresh three-year term.
  • Vote Date: The vote for Russia's re-election will occur next month.
  • Document Details: A position paper circulated by Russia to UN members outlines its commitment to address human rights issues and prevent the council from serving the political interests of specific countries, likely referring to Western nations.
  • Seeking Credibility: Russia aims to restore some international credibility after facing accusations of human rights violations both in Ukraine and domestically.
  • Latest Findings: The UN's Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine presented evidence of war crimes, including torture, rape, and attacks on civilians, to the Human Rights Council.
  • Russia's Human Rights Situation: A recent report by the UN's special rapporteur for Russia highlighted a significant deterioration in the human rights situation in Russia, with critics of the invasion facing arbitrary arrest, torture, and ill-treatment.
  • Upcoming Elections: Russia will compete with Albania and Bulgaria for the two seats designated for central and eastern European countries in the upcoming October 10th elections.
  • Voting Process: All 193 members of the UN General Assembly in New York will participate in the vote, with Russia reportedly campaigning aggressively and offering incentives to smaller countries in exchange for their votes.

International Opposition

  • Report Findings: Campaign groups including UN Watch, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights have stated that Russia is "unqualified" for HRC membership due to its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
  • UK's Stance: The UK strongly opposes Russia's bid to rejoin the Human Rights Council, citing extensive evidence of human rights abuses in Ukraine and against Russian citizens.
  • Calls to Uphold UN Values: Critics argue that Russia's potential return would undermine the credibility of the UN and its commitment to human rights.

UN Human Rights Council (HRC)

Formation

  • Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.
  • Replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
  • The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat of the HRC.
  • OHCHR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Members

  • Comprised of 47 United Nations Member States.
  • Elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
  • Membership criteria include contributions to human rights promotion and protection, voluntary pledges, and commitments.
  • Seats distributed based on equitable geographical distribution:
    • African States: 13 seats
    • Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
    • Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
    • Western European and other States: 7 seats
    • Eastern European States: 6 seats
  • Members serve for three years and cannot be immediately re-elected after two consecutive terms.

Procedures and Mechanisms

  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
    • Evaluates human rights situations in all UN Member States.
  • Advisory Committee
    • Acts as the council's "think tank."
    • Provides expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues.
  • Complaint Procedure
    • Allows individuals and organizations to report human rights violations to the council.
  • UN Special Procedures
    • Comprises special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts, and working groups.
    • Monitors, examines, advises, and reports on thematic human rights issues or specific country situations.