The United States has announced to reengage with the U.N. Human Rights Council. The decision comes 3 years after the country under the Trump administration withdrew from the organization.
Key Points
- Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State has announced that the country will reengage with the U.N. Human Rights Council.
- The country plans to return as an observer in the organization.
- This will be a step towards becoming a full member.
- As per the U.S. Secretary of State, the withdrawal of the country from the organization had created a vacuum of US leadership.
Background
Former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the council in the year 2018 criticizing it for its disproportionate focus on Israel and because it failed to meet an extensive list of reforms demanded by the-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. Israel has received by far the largest number of critical council resolutions against any country. The Trump administration also had problems with the membership of the council that presently includes Cuba, China, Eritrea, Venezuela, and Russia; all accused of human rights abuses.
U.N. Human Rights Council
It is a UN body that protects and promotes human rights across the world. It was founded in the year 2006 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It has 47 member countries.