The UN Human Rights Council meets in Geneva for its 62nd session to tackle several urgent issues, including an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the human-rights situation in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Forty-seven council members will review a report on Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine and hold a debate on recent Iranian attacks in the Gulf. The council can issue condemnations and recommendations but cannot impose sanctions. The session runs until July 7.
Ebola, Palestine and Gulf Tensions Dominate UN Human Rights Council Agenda in Geneva
FILE PHOTO - A general view of participants attending the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council. (is associated with: «Ebola, Palestine and Iran war to top agenda at UN Human Rights Council») Jean Marc Ferré/UN Photo/dpa
The UN Human Rights Council convenes in Geneva on Monday for its 62nd session to address several urgent global concerns, ranging from a fresh Ebola outbreak to ongoing rights abuses in occupied territories.
Key Issues On The Agenda
Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Delegates will consider the humanitarian and human-rights implications of the outbreak and the international response needed to protect affected communities.
Occupied Palestinian Territories: The council will review reports and hearings on the human-rights situation in the occupied Palestinian Territories, including civilian protection and access to humanitarian aid.
Russian-Occupied Territories of Ukraine: Forty-seven member states will review a formal report documenting human-rights conditions in territories of Ukraine under Russian control.
Iranian Attacks in the Gulf: A scheduled debate will focus on recent Iranian attacks targeting states in the Gulf and the human-rights and security ramifications.
Mandate: The council's core role is to promote and protect human rights worldwide. While it can formally condemn perpetrators and issue recommendations, it does not have the authority to impose sanctions.
Membership and Process: The council comprises 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly to three-year terms under a regional quota system. Membership often includes states that themselves face allegations of rights abuses, including China, Cuba and Ethiopia.
The 62nd session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to run through July 7, during which member states and observers will debate these and other pressing issues.
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