UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)

Current Context : India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty during discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

ABOUT UNHRC

• Created by: United Nations General Assembly
• Year: 15 March 2006 (replaced Commission on Human Rights)
• Type: Inter-governmental body within the UN system
• Mandate:
  • Promote universal respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms
  • Address violations, including gross and systematic violations of human rights
  • Make recommendations on human rights situations
• Total Members: 47 UN Member States
• Elected by: UN General Assembly through direct and secret ballot

ABOUT QATAR

• Official Name: State of Qatar
• Region: Western Asia (northeastern Arabian Peninsula)
• Area: 11,586 sq.km
• Border: Saudi Arabia (south); Persian Gulf on other sides
• Capital: Doha
• Language: Arabic (official); English (widely spoken)
• Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
• Ruling Family: Al Thani (since 1868)
• Independence: 1971 (was a British protectorate)