Why India’s seventh entry into the UNHRC is a troubling tale for Indians and credibility of the UN human rights system

ON OCTOBER 14, 2025, India was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the seventh time from the Asia group, along with Pakistan, Vietnam, and Iraq. While this may read as a diplomatic triumph for the state and a national prestige for the citizens at the outset, a deeper look into the UN Human Rights System and the situation at home tells us a truly discomforting tale. Behind the immaculate flags and the loud applause lies thousands of silenced voices and blood stained clothes, calling for scrutiny by the Indians and the international community. 

What is the UNHRC, and why is it important?

Needless to say that the fundamental idea behind the creation of the United Nations was to protect human rights after the toll of the bloody wars of the 20th century. The UN Commission on Human Rights, under the ECOSOC system and the 1235 public procedure, proved to be inefficient, over-politicised by diplomatic considerations and was replaced by the UNHRC in 2006. The new system, at least on paper, introduced robust mechanisms to review the state’s human rights records and to address specific situations. The new procedure to review the state’s human rights record is called Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the thematic arrangements, including fact findings and ad-hoc inquiries, were primarily brought under the UN Special Procedures (UNSRs).

Now, the core question is, why should India’s election to the UNHRC trouble us? Does it really matter? 

As we look deeper, the glaring truth becomes impossible to ignore. The General Assembly Resolution no. 60/251, which created the UNHRC, mandates that states that are members of the council should uphold “the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights” and “fully cooperate with the Council.”