The Human Rights Council was created by the General Assembly in 2006 as the principal human rights political body of the United Nations. The Council is composed of 47 elected member states that must uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.

It meets in regular sessions throughout the year and can meet in special sessions at the request of 16 Council members. The Council can address both thematic and country-based human rights issues and make recommendations to states.

2011 Election of the Members of the Human Rights Council

Find out more on AI's campaigns for a human rights committed Council membership on the occasion of the 2011 elections which take place in New York on 20 May 2011.

Read AI’s letters to 2011 candidate countries calling for committed Council membership and fulfilment of election pledges