Post by : Rameen Ariff

India has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking the country’s seventh tenure on the Geneva-based rights body. The results of the election, held on Tuesday, were announced by the UNHRC on social media, confirming that India’s three-year term will officially begin on January 1, 2026.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, thanked all member states for their strong support. He stated, “India was elected to the Human Rights Council for the term 2026–28 for the seventh time today. This election reflects India’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. We look forward to serving this objective during our tenure.”

The UN Human Rights Council is composed of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms under equitable geographic distribution rules. The seats are divided among regional groups: African States (13 seats), Asia-Pacific States (13 seats), Eastern European States (6 seats), Latin American and Caribbean States (8 seats), and Western European and Other States (7 seats).

India has been actively participating in the UNHRC since its creation in 2006, except for three mandatory breaks in 2011, 2018, and 2025. Previous terms were served in 2006–2007, 2008–2010, 2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2019–2021, and 2022–2024. In the first election, India won with a record 173 out of 190 votes, showcasing its strong support within the international community.

This election also comes after India took a break in 2025, following rules that bar three consecutive terms, making the 2026–28 term an important return to the council.

Other countries elected for the same three-year term starting January 1, 2026, include Angola, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, according to the UNHRC.

India’s election reflects its consistent role in promoting human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms on the global stage. During the 2026–28 term, India aims to actively contribute to international efforts for protecting human rights and addressing pressing global challenges.

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