U.S. Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
According to POLITICO, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The same order will also end U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which assists Palestinian refugees.
Criticism of the UNHRC
The withdrawal announcement criticized the UNHRC for failing its mission, labeling it as a “protective body for countries committing horrific human rights violations.” The document highlights that the council disproportionately condemns Israel, stating, “In 2018, the UNHRC passed more resolutions condemning Israel than Syria, Iran, and North Korea combined.”
Past Withdrawals and Accusations
Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the UNHRC in 2018, citing its bias against nations with strong human rights records. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley at the time claimed the council favored some of the world’s worst abusers, such as Cuba, China, and Qatar, while scapegoating others.
Recent Developments with UNRWA
The Biden administration halted funding for UNRWA following reports that some staffers may have been involved in the violent events of October 7. Israel has prohibited UNRWA operations on its land, as detainees reported being held in UNRWA facilities, raising further concerns about the agency’s role and impact.
Human Rights Oversight
Recent reports from UN Watch reveal that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has prioritized criticizing the U.S. over addressing human rights abuses in countries like Cuba and North Korea. The report notes an alarming trend where U.S. allies face condemnation without similar scrutiny being applied to nations like Eritrea and Qatar.
President Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the UNHRC, ending funding for UNRWA. The order criticizes the UNHRC for bias, particularly against Israel, while some of the worst human rights abusers serve on the council. The Biden administration has paused funding to UNRWA after staff allegations. Recent reports highlight that human rights issues in countries like China and North Korea receive less criticism than the U.S.
Trump’s anticipated withdrawal from the UNHRC reflects ongoing concerns about its biases and the handling of human rights issues worldwide. The decision, coupled with actions against UNRWA, highlights the administration’s stance on funding and international bodies perceived to protect abusers while neglecting allies. The increasing scrutiny of human rights practices indicates a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic strategy.
Original Source: www.dailywire.com
