UNITED NATIONS, 14 October 2026 — Human rights organisations have criticised the uncontested election of 15 countries to the United Nations Human Rights Council, warning that the process has allowed states with troubling rights records to secure seats.
The General Assembly elected the new members on Tuesday, but no competitive races took place for a second consecutive year because regional groups nominated exactly as many candidates as there were available positions.
Human Rights Watch said the absence of competition weakens the meaning of an election for a body tasked with addressing abuses and promoting respect for fundamental freedoms.
Criticism focused on concerns about accountability, police brutality and alleged abuses in several countries elected to the 47-member council. Other advocates stressed that members should be held to high standards because they help scrutinise rights situations around the world.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said elected members carry a significant responsibility to uphold and advocate for human rights. The council’s credibility depends in part on whether its members demonstrate those commitments at home as well as internationally.
Advocacy groups are urging UN member states to nominate competitive slates in future elections so that General Assembly members can meaningfully assess candidates’ records before voting.
Featured image: UN human rights meeting room, illustrative photograph by Siavosh Hosseini via Unsplash.