česky  english 

Advanced search

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. 

 

HRC41: Focused on peaceful assembly and association

thumb

The Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic in Geneva was actively involved in the preparation of the resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association (FoAA) and co-organized, together… more ►

HRC41: The Czech Republic highlighted the importance of rights of older women

hrc

On 28 June 2019, the Czech Republic participated during the 41st Session of Human Rights Council in the Annual Full-Day Discussion on women's rights with a focus on the situation of older women and their economic empowerment. more ►

HRC 41: The Czech Republic suported the human rights mechanisms

thumb

On 25 June 2019, during the 41. session of the Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic presented its statement in the dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet. more ►

HRC 40: Czech Republic commented on the situation in Ukraine

thumb

On 19 March 2019, the Czech Republic participated on the interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Ukraine which was held during the 40th session of the Human Rights Council. more ►

HRC40: Czech Republic on human rights situations in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali

thumb

During the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic engaged on 19 March 2019 in the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner ´s oral update and report on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Interactive… more ►