The UN Human Rights Council (the Council) was created on March 15, 2006 by the UN General Assembly as the successor to the Commission on Human Rights.  Through a body of 47 elected member States, the Council works collectively to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights around the world by addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations.  These tasks are completed in three regular sessions held in June, September, and February, as well special sessions called by one-third of the membership to address urgent situations.