The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) is the UN's principal intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Established by the General Assembly in 2006, the Council is based in Geneva and consists of 47 Member States elected by the General Assembly. It addresses human-rights situations and thematic questions through debates, resolutions, investigations, special procedures, the Universal Periodic Review and other mechanisms. The Council can make recommendations, establish fact-finding or investigative mandates and encourage states to strengthen their domestic protection of rights.
 

Agenda: Strengthening international accountability for war crimes and atrocities against civilians in armed conflict
 

The agenda focuses on how the international community can make accountability for grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law more consistent, timely and credible. Delegates may examine the responsibilities of states and non-state armed groups, investigation and evidence-preservation mechanisms, international and domestic prosecutions, fact-finding missions, cooperation with courts and tribunals, protection of witnesses and survivors, and the role of universal-jurisdiction laws. The debate should also consider how accountability can operate during an active conflict when access to affected areas is limited. A central challenge is balancing sovereignty and due process with the need to prevent impunity.