The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, comprised of 18 international human rights experts, plays a crucial role in advising the Council and conducting research on human rights issues. On February 16, 2024, Baek Bum-seok, a professor at Kyung Hee University Law School, was elected chair during the 34th session held in Geneva. This appointment marks the first time a South Korean has been chosen to lead the Advisory Committee. Baek has been actively serving as a committee member since 2020, reflecting South Korea’s growing influence in global human rights governance.
The Advisory Committee’s work impacts both the UN Human Rights Council and the broader international community by providing expert guidance and research. Baek Bum-seok’s leadership is expected to further strengthen South Korea’s role in international human rights efforts. In addition to his chairmanship, Baek also serves on the Working Group on Communications, which reviews individual complaints submitted to the Council. Other South Korean experts currently hold significant positions in UN human rights bodies, including Kim Mi-yeon as chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Seo Chang-rok as chair of the Human Rights Committee.
Baek Bum-seok’s term as chair began in February 2024, following his ongoing service as a committee member since 2020. The Working Group on Communications, which Baek also chairs as of February 10, 2024, consists of five members selected regionally from the Advisory Committee. South Korea’s government, as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2025–2027 term, continues to support its experts’ participation in various UN human rights bodies. The ongoing appointments of South Korean professionals highlight a sustained commitment to international human rights advocacy and leadership.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the role of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee? The committee advises the Council and conducts research on human rights issues. Who are the current South Korean representatives in UN human rights bodies? Baek Bum-seok chairs the Advisory Committee, Kim Mi-yeon leads the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Seo Chang-rok chairs the Human Rights Committee. How does South Korea support its experts? The government actively encourages and supports participation in international human rights organizations.
Baek Bum-seok’s appointment as chair of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee demonstrates South Korea’s increasing prominence in international human rights leadership. The presence of multiple South Korean experts in key UN roles signals a strategic national commitment to global human rights advocacy. This milestone is expected to bolster South Korea’s influence in shaping policy and research within the UN system. Continued government support for expert participation will likely sustain and expand this positive trend.