As a member of the Human Rights Council, Poland will continue its commitment pursued at the UN Security Council to solving global issues, in particular in the area of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We expect that it will further strengthen Poland’s standing in the international arena.

Poland’s objectives include: strengthening human rights as one of the three main pillars of the United Nations alongside maintaining peace and fostering growth; protecting civilians in armed conflict, in particular women, children and people with disabilities; strengthening freedom of religion or belief, including rights of religious minorities; protecting human rights as a condition for sustainable development in its social, economic and environmental dimension in line with the 2030 Agenda.

The United Nations Human Rights Council was established in 2006 by UN General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 and replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights. It has 47 member states. Poland was a member of the Council in 2006-2007 and 2011-2013.

The Human Rights Council is the most important forum of international cooperation safeguarding the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Council is tasked with helping states in fulfilling their obligations in the area of human rights protection through dialogue, building institutional structures and technical assistance. The Council encompasses several working groups: the so-called Special Procedures (with country and thematic mandates) and the Universal Periodic Review, which examines the human rights records of all UN member states.

MFA Press Office