US becomes first member to withdraw from UN Human-Rights Council
The US became the first member to withdraw from the "hypocritical and self-serving" UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) yesterday, citing its 'chronic bias' against Israel and lack of reforms. This is the third withdrawal from an international engagement under the Donald Trump administration. Incidentally, this comes even as the US faces backlash for separating children from immigrant parents at the border.
Other countries blocking US' efforts to reform Council: Haley
Announcing the decision, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley called the UNHRC a "cesspool of political bias" which "makes a mockery of human rights." As examples, she cited Venezuela, Cuba and Congo where there's "appalling disrespect for the most basic rights." But China, Russia, Egypt and Cuba were thwarting US' efforts to reform it, she added.
What is the UN Human Rights Council?
The UNHRC replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2006, after the latter faced widespread criticism for letting countries with poor rights records become members. Forty-seven elected countries serve three-year terms at the UNHRC. The body meets thrice a year for its 'Universal Periodic Review.' It also deploys independent investigators into countries with known rights violations, like Syria, North Korea, and Myanmar.
The US wants an overhaul and "respect for human rights"
The US has long demanded reforms to overhaul the UNHRC, including an easy system to remove members with unsatisfactory rights records. It has also consistently accused the body of "unending hostility towards Israel." Last year, Haley said it was "hard to accept" that resolutions were being passed against Israel when there had been no such action against Venezuela.
Israeli PM hails move
Israel thanks President Trump, Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Haley for their courageous decision against the hypocrisy and the lies of the so-called UN Human Rights Council.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) June 19, 2018
Global outcry over US pulling out
Responding, UNHRC President Vojislav Suc said it's essential to "uphold a strong and vibrant council." UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson admitted reforms are needed, but UNHRC is "crucial to holding states to account." Diplomats said US' withdrawal could boost countries which've resisted "UN interference" in home affairs, like Russia, Cuba and Pakistan. But Haley maintained the US isn't retreating from "our human rights commitments."
Disappointing, if not surprising: UN
"Disappointing, if not really surprising, news. Given the state of #HumanRights in today's world, the US should be stepping up, not stepping back" -- UN Human Rights Chief #Zeid following USA decision to withdraw from U.N. Human Rights Council.#StandUp4HumanRights
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) June 19, 2018
US has had a shaky history at the UNHRC
The US has never been a consistent member at the UNHRC. In 2006, the George Bush administration boycotted it citing similar reasons as the Trump administration. Incidentally, US' ambassador to the UN under the Bush administration was John Bolton, a strong critic of the UN, who is now Trump's national security advisor. It wasn't until 2009 that it rejoined under the Barack Obama regime.
