French candidacy to the Human Rights Council 2021-2023 [fr]
Human rights are increasingly under attack in many parts of the world, while those who speak out for human rights are increasingly threatened. It is within this context that France is presenting its candidacy to the Human Rights Council for the 2021-2023 term.
The Human Rights Council at the heart of the international structure for the promotion and defence of human rights
Over the past decade, human rights have been violated in many parts of the world, sometimes in the name of imperatives presented as superior, such as state sovereignty or cultural approach.
New threats have appeared: the emergence of mass terrorism, the decline of fundamental rights in many States and increased economic, social and gender inequality. More broadly, the values of multilateralism themselves are under attack today, along with the institutions that embody them.
People who speak out for human rights and democracy – particularly journalists and human rights defenders – are now increasingly in danger and often pay with their lives for their commitment.
Therefore, the Human Rights Council, main intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, which replaced the Commission on Human Rights in 2006, has been subject to repeated attacks in recent years. In this context, it is essential to allow the Human Rights Council to be fully attuned to changes around the world.
French candidacy to the Human Rights Council (2021-2023)
France was a member of the Human Rights Council from 2011 to 2016 and today continues to influence its work as an observer country. It ensures stringent use of the mechanisms created by the HCR, contributes to work on strengthening it and strives to counter any undermining of the universality of human rights.
France is determined to continue working for human rights and to promote effective humanist diplomacy in addressing 21st century issues and is thus presenting its candidacy to the Human Rights Council for the 2021-2023 term.
