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.” 

If this is the case, has India been faring well in its human rights protection? And if the country’s record doesn’t match the promise, how did it still walk into the Council unhindered? These tensions cut straight through the celebrations' grandstanding rhetoric, revealing that the victory was less about the state’s human rights record and more about the fissures in the UN system.  

What is India’s obligation to International Human Rights Law

The situation of human rights in India is self-explanatory today. It is evident from the enormous condemnation from genuine actors both within and outside India. Nonetheless, what needs to be examined is a more magnified view towards its actions. Article 51(3) of the Indian Constitution says that the state shall “(c) foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another;”. 

More specifically, Article 253 says, “Parliament has power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or countries or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body.”