United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Suspends Russia from the Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Why in news?

• UNGA adopted a resolution suspending Russia from the UNHRC over its war in Ukraine.
• UNGA, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, may suspend the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the Council.
  • Abstentions do not count and the resolution requires two-thirds of yes/no votes to be adopted.
• Before Russia, Libya was the last member to be suspended in 2011.
• India abstained from voting on resolution.
• Possible Implications of the decision
  • Strong and United International Response to further increase pressure on Russia and on countries which are neutral or aligned with Russia.
  • Risk of aggravating the divisions further to intensify the conflict and jeopardise peace efforts.
• The UNHRC, at Geneva, Switzerland, is an inter-governmental body within United Nations system, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
  • Consists of 47 member states, elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of members of UNGA.
  • It replaced the former UN Commission on Human Rights. It was created by UNGA in 2006.