Next autumn the United Nations General Assembly will hold the election for the partial renewal of the members of the Human Rights Council for the 2019-2021 three-year term. Italy presented its candidature in line with its long-standing engagement in the protection and promotion of human rights.
The HRC is the most prestigious elective UN forum after the Security Council. Created in 2006, the HRC replaced the Human Rights Commission that promoted, since 1946, at the widest international level, the respect for human rights worldwide. The HRC is made up of 47 Member States, which are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term on the basis of equitable geographical distribution. The HRC holds three regular sessions a year (in March, June and September) and special sessions upon request from one third of its Member States.
Italy, that was member of the HRC in 2007-2010 and 2011-2014, officially presented its voluntary pledges and priorities in view of the possible election, while actively and constantly following the HRC’s work as observer State. Among our priorities: fight against all forms of discrimination, rights of women and child, universal moratorium on the death penalty, freedom of religion or belief and protection of people belonging to religious minorities, fight against trafficking in persons, rights of persons with disabilities, protection of cultural and religious heritage, human rights defenders.
