Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council (HRC) is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system, established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly. It is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
Some key points about the HRC:
- Composition: The Council consists of 47 Member States elected by the UN General Assembly. These members serve for three-year terms and can be re-elected.
- Meetings: The HRC meets at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and holds three regular sessions each year. It can also hold special sessions to address urgent human rights situations.
- Functions: The Council addresses human rights violations, makes recommendations, and serves as a forum for dialogue on human rights issues. It adopts resolutions, conducts the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of all UN Member States, and appoints independent experts known as Special Procedures.
- Impact: The HRC plays a crucial role in investigating human rights abuses, launching fact-finding missions, and establishing commissions of inquiry. It aims to ensure accountability and improve human rights conditions worldwide.
Source Link: HRC Home | OHCHR
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights-OHCHR
The UN General Assembly established The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in December 1993 through its resolution 48/141 which also details its mandate. This was just a few months after the World Conference on Human Rights adopted the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. It represents the world’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Source Link : About UN Human Rights | OHCHR
The OHCHR East Africa Regional Office (EARO) in Addis Ababa
The OHCHR East Africa Regional Office (EARO) in Addis Ababa plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in the region.
Source Link: https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries-and-territories/africa-region/un…
General information about Ethiopia’s membership in the United Nations and Human Rights
Ethiopia has been a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) ever since it was established. Ethiopia, as part of the African States group, has served on the Council from 2013 to 21018 for two consecutive terms, and contributed to its mission of promoting and protecting human rights globally.
Ethiopia’s participation in the HRC reflects its engagement in international human rights discussions and efforts to address human rights issues within its borders and globally.
Source Link: Membership of the Human Rights Council | OHCHR
Major engagements in the UN and Human Rights Council
As a founding member of the United Nations, Ethiopia had actively participated in the negotiation of the United Nations Charter as well as of its human rights pillar and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1948. It has also signed and ratified seven of the nine major international human rights documents and made it part of its national law.
Ethiopia stands for a UN Human Rights Council free of politicization and committed to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) processes as international human rights mechanism best suited for constructive assessment of member countries’ human rights handling and making recommendations thereon.
During its membership in the Human Rights Council, Ethiopia has been involved in several significant actions and roles:
- It led the African Group of Countries as a coordinator for one year.
- It served as Vice President of the Council and as a member of the Consultative Group.
- It has played a strong leadership role and has earned a good reputation.
- It has proposed solutions to the Human Rights council efficiency methods which have been accepted by the Council.
- It has closely worked with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights mechanisms.
- It has engaged with various stakeholders, including regional governments, the African Union, and civil society organizations, to address human rights issues and support accountability, reconciliation, and healing efforts.
Ethiopia’s role in the Human Rights Council has been marked by efforts to address human rights issues in achieving comprehensive peace and accountability.
Source Link: HRC Home | OHCHR
