The recent elections of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Kenya to the United Nations Human Rights Council raise complex questions, but they also offer an opportunity for these countries to improve their human rights records.

The three countries, DR Congo, Ethiopia, and Kenya, are among the African countries recently elected to the Human Rights Council to serve for three years, starting on January 1, 2025.

The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 and is tasked with protecting and promoting human rights around the world, and addressing violations.

However, in the case of Congo, there have been objections to deny Kinshasa a seat on the symbolic but highly prestigious body. In the meantime, Congo’s minister for human rights said the country would use the position to improve its rights situation.

Ethiopia’s election has also signified an acknowledgment of its potential role in promoting human rights at the international level, while on the other hand, it raises questions about the implications of such a choice for Ethiopia and the global human rights landscape considering the country’s ongoing human rights challenges and internal conflicts.

Ethiopia’s election to the Human Rights Council has been contested by some human rights defenders, given the massive displacement the Ethiopian government has faced in recent years, particularly during the deadly conflict in Tigray in late 2020 and the insurgencies ravaging the Amhara and Oromia regions.

Similarly, Kenya’s selection to the Human Rights Council has sparked opposition, particularly from civil society organizations. Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and abductions are among the concerns raised.

However, despite all oppositions, these three countries should seize the opportunity of their council membership to improve their human rights record. This position seems to be effective in improving human rights situation in these countries.

References
www.africanews.com/2024/10/10/dr-congo-ethiopia-kenya-elected-to-humn-rights-council/
www.kenyanforeignpolicy.com/kenya-wins-un-human-rights-council-seat-despite-serious-rights-violations/#:~:text=Kenya%20was%20one%20of%2018,regarding%20its%20human%20rights%20record.
www.allafrica.com/stories/202410120185.html