Frequently asked questions
What is the UN Human Rights Council?
The United Nations Human Rights Council was established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly to replace the Commission on Human Rights. The Council is based in Geneva and is responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection and promotion of all human rights and to consider violations of human rights. It meets for no fewer than three sessions and for no less than 10 weeks each year. The Council is also able to convene special sessions.
How do countries get voted onto the UN Human Rights Council?
The Council is composed of 47 members elected by the UN General Assembly in New York. Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution on the following basis: Africa 13 seats, Asia 13 seats, Eastern Europe 6 seats, Latin America and Caribbean 8 seats, and Western European and Other states 7 seats.
The standard term of membership is 3 years but the terms of the inaugural members of the Council (2006) were staggered. Council Members are not eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms.
Countries campaign for election and secure membership based on support from UN Member States.
New Zealand is seeking election for one of the three available Western European and Other states group seats in the term 2009-2012.
When are the elections to the UN Human Rights Council?
The exact timing is still to be decided but it is likely that they will be held in May 2009 in New York.
Why is New Zealand seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council?
New Zealand played an active role in setting up the UN Human Rights Council and wants to ensure that the global human rights body realises its full potential.
New Zealand is a strong supporter of the Council’s new Universal Periodic Review mechanism which, for the first time, will evaluate on the basis of objective and reliable information if all UN Member States are fulfilling their human rights obligations and commitments.
New Zealand also has a long history of groundbreaking legislation that advances human rights, such as being the first country to give women the right to vote
Internationally, New Zealand works closely with Pacific Island partners to support and assist the promotion and protection of human rights to influence positive and real change that makes lasting differences in people’s lives. New Zealand is the first Pacific country to stand for election to the Council.
In May 2008 New Zealand’s work to improve the rights of people with disabilities both domestically and internationally was recognised through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award.
Who is supporting New Zealand?
New Zealand’s bid for election to the UN Human Rights Council in 2009-2012 is supported by Canada and Australia, who are our CANZ partners.
New Zealand also looks forward to the strong support of UN Member States for our candidature in 2009.
Who is coordinating New Zealand’s campaign?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is coordinating New Zealand’s campaign for membership to the UN Human Rights Council. This includes working to gain support from other UN member states for New Zealand's election to the UN Human Rights Council through our overseas diplomatic missions, especially in New York and Geneva.
Where can I find more information?
For further information about the New Zealand’s bid for election and our work to advance human rights standards domestically and internationally see our home page
