India abstained from a crucial vote at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Sri Lanka’s rights record, though New Delhi called on Colombo to carry forward the reconciliation process and address the aspirations of the Tamil minority.

 LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

                                       The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet

                                       The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by resolution 60/251. Its first session took place from 19 to 30 June 2006.

                                      The Council members are elected for a period of three years by the majority of members of the General Assembly through direct and secret ballot.While members of the Council serve for a period of three years, they are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.