The United Nations (UN) is based on three, primary pillars: human rights, peace and security, and development. On the first pillar, the Human Rights Council, along with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, passes and monitors the implementation of various human rights-related resolutions over the course of its three, annual, regular sessions. The most recent two sessions both concluded this summer, with one having been delayed from March due to the global pandemic. These meetings highlighted a range of issues but focused on a few in particular, including racial injustice, police brutality, women’s rights, and the compounding impact of COVID-19 on all of these. 

The Human Rights Council’s 43rd session resumed in Geneva on 15 June 2020 having previously been suspended on 13 March. The resumption of its work sent a clear message from the Council to the international community about the importance of fulfilling its mandate for the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms in the world, especially during these uncertain times. In the difficult economic situation dictated by a pandemic that puts at particular risk the most vulnerable, the commitment required by member states of the Council is significant.

The pandemic is putting a strain on the UN system, between, for example, the challenges of maintaining funding as well as productive state relations despite accusations passed among member states. Multilateralism is certainly facing a moment of reckoning, and the Human Rights Council could hold a decisive role in coordinating the fight against COVID-19 and its wide-reaching human rights impact. The Council’s work is of particular interest to poorer countries that seek technical assistance to manage the fallout of inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. 

RACIAL INJUSTICE ADDRESSED AROUND THE WORLD

COVID-19 has highlighted globally that racial discrimination afflicts millions of people, including migrants, refugees, Roma, Indigenous peoples, and other minorities. During one of the Council’s urgent debates, member states, civil society, and NGOs expressed their concern about the rise of an “infodemic,” and they called especially for justice for Black people. Ultimately, the Council adopted a resolution (A/HRC/43/L.50) by consensus that strongly condemns racism against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies. This resolution aims to push member states to prevent, investigate, and then remedy racist or xenophobic incidents. Moreover, states should ensure that all members of racial or ethnic communities are fairly able to benefit from remedial measures.

FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS EXACERBATED BY PANDEMIC

Another issue the Council considered during its 44th session, which occurred shortly after the delayed 43rd session, was the human rights of women. Member states denounced gender-based violence, recognising its marked increase during the pandemic-related lockdown, and urged the engagement of boys and men in the struggle for a gender-equal society. The Council also engaged two special panels addressing accountability for women and girls in the humanitarian settings and COVID-19 and women’s rights, respectively. In addition, Council members themselves debated the gendered impact of COVID-19, noting that 70 percent of healthcare workers are women. As such, women are at the frontlines of this health crisis. The Human Rights Council ultimately adopted another resolution (A/HRC/44/L.21) on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls. Member states discussed the reality that governments that empower women in top leadership roles execute effective responses to major issues and crises. 

During the latter session, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, tweeted, speaking specifically to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The need for global solidarity and multilateralism is stronger than ever. We must build back better with full respect for the human rights of all people. 

This summer, we witnessed two, back-to-back, human rights-focused sessions within the multilateral framework of the Human Rights Council that will remain notable in the history of the UN as carried out during a global pandemic. Without the engagement of all member states and stakeholders, however, international coordination to secure human rights for all—even during a worldwide health crisis—will falter. 

Cristina is a student at the Alma Mater Studiourum - University of Bologna, undertaking a Master's in International Cooperation on Human rights and Intercultural Heritage. She is a UN volunteer and a volunteer for the project EuRoPe, sponsored by the municipality of Ravenna. She is currently doing an internship at the Mission of Italy to the UN in Geneva.

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