Status: 10/14/2021 10:12 p.m.
Under Trump, the US withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council. The former president accused the body of incredulity. Now the US is back. Foreign Minister Blinken promised hard work in the fight against tyranny.
After its withdrawal under President Donald Trump, the US will once again become part of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The United States was elected to the 47-member body based in Geneva by the UN General Assembly in New York.
17 other countries will also be part of the Council for the period from 2022 to the end of 2024 – including India, Argentina and Luxembourg as well as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Eritrea, which have been criticized for their human rights situation. There were no competing applicants for any of the seats awarded according to a geographical code.
Critic: Inadequate condemnation of grievances
“We will work hard to ensure that the Council maintains its highest aspirations and better supports those who fight against injustice and tyranny around the world,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after the vote. Preserving democratic values such as freedom, human rights and the rule of law is the cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s administration.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced that the US would oppose the “disproportionate” involvement of the Human Rights Council with Israel. In addition, action will be taken against the election of countries with “outrageous human rights violations” in the body.
The Human Rights Council has consistently produced critical reports on the violations of human rights in some conflicts. On the other hand, critics accuse him of failing to adequately condemn the abuses of major powers such as China.
Represented disputed countries in the Council
It also happens again and again that countries are represented that are accused of human rights violations. Among other things, the Trump administration had described the body as implausible for this reason.
In June 2018, under Trump, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Human Rights Council – also because of its frequent criticism of Israel. The US was also targeted by the council because of accusations of racism.