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Human Rights Council

United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) is the key human rights body in the United Nations system. Its main goal is to globally protect and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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. It comprises 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 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.

The Czech Republic is currently a Member State of the UN Human Rights Council for the term expiring on 31 December 2023.  Previously, it served as a Member during the first year of the Council's existence (2006-2007), from 2011 to 2014 and from 2019 to 2021. The Czech Republic is an active country in the Council, taking part in general debates and interactive dialogues as well as in negotiations of resolutions. At the September sessions of the Council in 2013, 2014 and 2018, the Czech Republic authored and negotiated a resolution on equal political and public participation that were adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by a large number of countries. In 2022 and 2019, it presented in cooperation with other countries resolutions on freedom of peaceful assembly and association which were adopted by consensus. It has presented its candidature to the Council for the elections in 2024. 

 

HRC27: Czech Republic welcomes new High Commissioner, stresses his independence

The Czech Republic encouraged the new High Commissioner for Human Rights to lead a frank and open dialogue with States and the Human Rights Council (HRC). The legitimacy of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)… more ►

HRC: the Czech Republic condemned human rights abuses committed by ISIL

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At the special session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Iraq in light of abuses committed by the so-called ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and associated groups, convened on 1st September 2014, the Czech… more ►

HRC26: The Czech Republic addresses human rights situations in the world

The Czech Republic condemned the alarming restrictions to freedom of expression and media plurality in Iran, China and Russian Federation. more ►

HRC26: The Czech Republic on the human rights violations in the CAR

The Czech Republic intervened in the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic Ms Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum who presented her first written report to the Human Rights Council. more ►

HRC26: The Czech Republic calls on DPRK to halt human rights violations

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) must stop its large-scale violations of human rights, the Czech Republic said at the dialogue with Mr. Marzuki Darusman, UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in the DPRK. The… more ►