UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council
Recently the United Nations General Assembly has suspended Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR).
- The General Assembly has adopted a resolution to suspend Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council because of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
- The General Assembly may suspend the rights of any member of the Human Rights Council for membership in the Council. This can be done by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
- Absent members do not count. A resolution requires two-thirds Yes/No votes to be passed.
- Before Russia, Libya was the last member state to be suspended from this council. Libya was suspended in 2011.
- It may be noted that India remained absent during the voting on the resolution.
Possible implications of this decision:
- This is yet another strong and united international response. This will increase the pressure on Russia and its allies or neutral countries.
- This threatens to further increase factionalism in the world. This can lead to escalation of conflicts and hinder peace efforts.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system. It’s headquarter is located in Geneva, Switzerland. This organization is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. The number of its members is 47. Its members are elected directly and personally by a majority of the members of the General Assembly by means of secret ballot. It was formed by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2006. It has replaced the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
India’s stand on Ukraine-Russia crisis
- India has called for peace, dialogue and diplomacy to end the violence immediately. At the same time, India has also supported constructive dialogue for an early resolution of the conflict.
- Since January 2022, India has been absent from voting on procedural votes and draft resolutions condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine in the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Source – The Hindu
