Public presentation of candidates to the UN Human Rights Committee

On 15 June 2026, during the 42nd Meeting of States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in New York, states parties will elect nine members of the UN Human Rights Committee for the 2027–2030 term. Members of the Committee are elected by states parties from among their nationals but serve in their personal capacity. In accordance with Article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, they must be persons of high moral character with recognised competence in the field of human rights. Consideration should also be given to equitable geographical distribution, the representation of different forms of civilisation and the principal legal systems, in accordance with Article 31 of the Covenant.

Nine current members of the Committee will complete their mandates on 31 December 2026, making the upcoming elections an important opportunity to address gaps in the Committee’s composition. In this context, the Geneva Human Rights Hub, together with the Centre for Civil and Political Rights and the GQUAL Campaign, is organising an online public presentation of candidates. The event will provide an opportunity for nominated candidates to introduce themselves, present their priorities and respond to questions from participants, contributing to transparency in the election process and supporting informed decision-making by states parties and other stakeholders.

Disclaimer

The Geneva Human Rights Hub, the Centre for Civil and Political Rights and the GQUAL Campaign do not take a position in support of or against any individual candidate in the Human Rights Committee elections. The initiatives undertaken aim to facilitate access to information and encourage states parties to take decisions based on the criteria established in the Covenant and relevant UN guidelines.