The UN Human Rights Council: Achievements and Challenges in its First Decade

As the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council took place in 2016, it is useful to reflect on the different contributions made by this UN organ in the field of human rights. Its participation in the development and consolidation of human rights norms through its standard-setting function, in addition to its role as the institution to oversee the effective implementation of the Universal Periodic Review, the stalwart of this intergovernmental body, have ensured continuity from the working methods of the Commission while adding another layer of institutional monitoring capacity. And yet, 10 years after its creation, several shortcomings have been apparent, as a result of the inherent criticism deriving from the work of the Special Procedures system, from the limitation of its own subsidiary bodies, and of the politicization that undeniably and inevitably surrounds any intergovernmental body. This chapter aims to discuss some of the most important achievements and challenges of the Human Rights Council during its first decade, as it sails into its second decade of existence with the purpose of effectively protecting and promoting human rights worldwide.