Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council (HRC or the Council) is the main body of the United Nations (UN) dealing with human rights. It works together with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.They both are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The HRC was created by General Assembly Resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006. Its first session was held from June 19th to 30th 2006.
The creation of the HRC was part of a broad reform process of the UN system started in 1997 by then Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The Council replaced its predecessor, the Human Rights Commission. The Commission was viewed by many as a weak and ineffective institution.

The Council is composed of 47 States elected for three years among the 192 UN members. The 47 States hold meetings at the European UN headquarters in Geneva, debate human rights issues and take decisions aimed at curtailing human rights abuses worldwide. Like the General Assembly, the Council can adopt resolutions but they are not binding. The 145 other States as well as accredited Non-governmental Organisations can participate in the debate but do not have the right to vote.