International Service for Human Rights

Whereas the former Commission met only once a year for a total of six weeks, the Human Rights Council (the Council) meets at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, for  three regular sessions a year, for a total duration of no less than 10 weeks. The Council’s main (four-week) session is normally held in March.

The Council may also hold special sessions at the request of a member State, where such a request is supported by at least one third of its member States. Special sessions can meet outside the thrice-yearly regular Human Rights Council sessions.