---
title: "Charter-based bodies — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "Charter-based bodies are UN human rights organs established by the UN Charter, impacting all 193 member states regardless of treaty ratification."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/charter-based-bodies"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Charter-based bodies are UN human rights organs established directly by the United Nations Charter or by resolutions of its principal organs, deriving authority from membership rather than treaty ratification.
- How do charter-based bodies differ from treaty-based bodies?
- Which resolution created the Human Rights Council and what did it replace?
- What is the Universal Periodic Review and why is it significant?
- Which Charter articles underpin UN human rights bodies?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2006 the UN General Assembly, by Resolution 60/251, abolished the Commission on Human Rights and established the Human Rights Council as a charter-based body, introducing the Universal Periodic Review covering all 193 member states.

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