A/RES/60/251
protection of human rights emanating from United Nations conferences and
summits;
(e) Undertake a universal periodic review, based on objective and reliable
information, of the fulfilment by each State of its human rights obligations and
commitments in a manner which ensures universality of coverage and equal
treatment with respect to all States; the review shall be a cooperative mechanism,
based on an interactive dialogue, with the full involvement of the country concerned
and with consideration given to its capacity-building needs; such a mechanism shall
complement and not duplicate the work of treaty bodies; the Council shall develop
the modalities and necessary time allocation for the universal periodic review
mechanism within one year after the holding of its first session;
(f) Contribute, through dialogue and cooperation, towards the prevention of
human rights violations and respond promptly to human rights emergencies;
(g) Assume the role and responsibilities of the Commission on Human
Rights relating to the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights, as decided by the General Assembly in its resolution 48/141 of
20 December 1993;
(h) Work in close cooperation in the field of human rights with
Governments, regional organizations, national human rights institutions and civil
society;
(i) Make recommendations with regard to the promotion and protection of
human rights;
(j)
Submit an annual report to the General Assembly;
6.
Decides also that the Council shall assume, review and, where necessary,
improve and rationalize all mandates, mechanisms, functions and responsibilities of
the Commission on Human Rights in order to maintain a system of special
procedures, expert advice and a complaint procedure; the Council shall complete
this review within one year after the holding of its first session;
Decides further that the Council shall consist of forty-seven Member
7.
States, which shall be elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the
majority of the members of the General Assembly; the membership shall be based
on equitable geographical distribution, and seats shall be distributed as follows
among regional groups: Group of African States, thirteen; Group of Asian States,
thirteen; Group of Eastern European States, six; Group of Latin American and
Caribbean States, eight; and Group of Western European and other States, seven; the
members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be
eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms;
Decides that the membership in the Council shall be open to all States
8.
Members of the United Nations; when electing members of the Council, Member
States shall take into account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and
protection of human rights and their voluntary pledges and commitments made
thereto; the General Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and
voting, may suspend the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the
Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights;
Decides also that members elected to the Council shall uphold the
9.
highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights, shall fully
cooperate with the Council and be reviewed under the universal periodic review
mechanism during their term of membership;
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