NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Joe Biden
    United States of America
    COVID-19
    Pakistan
    Russia-Ukraine crisis
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / US becomes first member to withdraw from UN Human-Rights Council
    World

    US becomes first member to withdraw from UN Human-Rights Council

    US becomes first member to withdraw from UN Human-Rights Council
    Written by Gogona Saikia
    Jun 20, 2018, 09:49 am 3 min read
    US becomes first member to withdraw from UN Human-Rights Council
    Credits

    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.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    North Korea
    Donald Trump
    Barack Obama
    United Nations (UN)

    Latest

    5 paint shade ideas for your living room Home Decor
    OnePlus 11 v/s OnePlus 10 Pro: The main differences OnePlus 11
    Design features of Xiaomi's electric sedan leaked prior to debut Xiaomi
    Mumtaz opens up about starring in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' Bollywood

    North Korea

    North Korea fires 130 artillery shells as warning to Seoul South Korea
    South Korea scrambles jets after detecting 180 North Korean warplanes South Korea
    North Korea fires missiles, South Korea retaliates after 'territorial invasion' South Korea
    North Korea fires ballistic missile over Japan, tensions escalate Japan

    Donald Trump

    Donald Trump kicks off 2024 US presidential election bid US President
    Meta to reinstate Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts  Meta
    Republican Kevin McCarthy named US House speaker in marathon voting US House of Representatives
    Congressional panel probing Capitol riot recommends criminal charges against Trump US Congress

    Barack Obama

    'Aftersun,' 'The Fabelmans' among Barack Obama's favorite films of 2022 Michelle Obama
    Barack-Michelle Obama introduce Netflix docu 'Descendant' at African-American film fest Netflix
    What is Hellfire R9X, a warhead-less missile that killed al-Zawahiri? Afghanistan
    Who's YouTuber Gaurav Taneja arrested for metro station birthday party? YouTube

    United Nations (UN)

    Pakistan: Hindu woman killed, beheaded, skinned in Sindh; India reacts Pakistan
    Afghanistan: Taliban ban women from university education Taliban
    After backlash, Elon Musk reinstates suspended Twitter accounts of journalists Twitter
    Bilawal Bhutto's 'Gujarat's butcher' remark on PM Modi triggers outburst Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023