FAQ on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution (2014) on Sri Lanka

 

by Chandra Jayaratne 

- on 08/30/2014 

AUN investigation into allegations of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka is about to commence. As an aid to public discussion, Friday Forum sets out below information to help the general public understand the legal basis, origin, nature and scope of this inquiry.

1. What is the Human Rights Council?

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is the main inter-governmental body within the United Nations that is responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Under the UN Charter (which is like the Constitution of the UN), promoting and encouraging respect for human rights for all without discrimination is a major purpose of the UN (Article 1.3).  The HRC and all other human rights institutions and procedures within the UN have been established in order to achieve that purpose effectively. The HRC consists of 47 members, all of whom are Member States of the UN elected for a three year term by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Sri Lanka too is a former member of the HRC.
FAQ on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution (2014) on Sri Lanka by Thavam