The Council was established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly resolution 60/251 to succeed the work of the UN Commission on Human Rights and to strengthen the human rights dimension of the UN system

The Council is comprised of 47 member states elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term with the possibility of re-election to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Czech Republic is a Human Rights Council member from 2011 to 2014 and intends to apply for membership again for the term 2019-2021. Both while sitting in the Council and when working as an observer state, the Czech Republic is an active player, taking part in general debates and interactive dialogues as well as in negotiations of resolutions. At the 24^th session of the Council in autumn 2013, the Czech Republic authored and negotiated a resolution on equal political participation which was eventually adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by a large number of countries.   

The Council meets regularly three times a year (in March, June, and September), and also when the need arises, usually following the outbreak of a human rights crisis. During its meetings, the Council discusses situations in individual countries as well as thematic issues pertaining to human rights in all states. The objective of the HRC is to address situations of human rights violations, to prevent such violations through dialogue and cooperation, to promote the implementation of human rights obligations, to give recommendations to the General Assembly for development of international law or to promote the human rights education. The Council also undertakes the Universal Periodic Review.