New York, Oct 15: India has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, marking the country’s seventh tenure on the Geneva based rights body.
The UNHRC announced the results of Tuesday’s election on social media, stating that India’s three year term will commence on January 1, 2026.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, expressed gratitude for the support received from delegations worldwide. “India was elected to the Human Rights Council for the term 2026-28 for the seventh time today. This reflects India’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. We look forward to serving this objective during our tenure,” he said.
The UN Human Rights Council consists of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms under equitable geographic distribution rules. The seats are distributed among five regional groups: African States (13), Asia-Pacific States (13), Eastern European States (6), Latin American and Caribbean States (8), and Western European and Other States (7).
India last served on the UNHRC in 2024 following two consecutive terms and observed a mandatory gap this year in compliance with rules preventing a third consecutive tenure. Since the Council’s creation in 2006, India has served continuously except for three mandated breaks in 2011, 2018, and 2025. India secured its first UNHRC seat with the highest number of votes (173 out of 190) in 2006 and has since served six terms: 2006–2007, 2008–2010, 2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2019–2021, and 2022–2024.
Other countries elected for the 2026–28 term include Angola, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, according to the UNHRC.
This election underscores India’s continued engagement with the global human rights agenda and its commitment to promoting fundamental freedoms on the international stage.