In a stern warning, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch alerted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the potential ramifications of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) establishing special powers aimed specifically at Israel. They believe such a move would subject the UN and its member states to possible sanctions, highlighting a troubling trend in the UN’s treatment of Israel.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary-General, the chairmen expressed their concerns regarding the HRC’s disproportionate focus on Israel, particularly regarding a vote to create an international investigative mechanism (IIM) that would exclusively target the state. This comes on the heels of an existing agenda item solely about Israel’s actions, along with a Commission of Inquiry set to delve into alleged violations in the region, which has faced criticism from the U.S. Congress since its inception.
They stressed that this emphasis on Israel detracts from addressing genuine human rights violations committed by groups like Hamas, which continues to perpetrate violence and hostage-taking. This approach by the UN is seen as an attempt to bolster existing anti-Israel actions being pursued at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
The chairmen concluded with a dire warning to any HRC member or UN entity supporting this IIM, asserting they would face consequences similar to those that the ICC experienced for its overreach. They called for decisive action against establishing this mechanism, citing the waning credibility of the Council among the American populace.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch have issued a warning against the UN establishing special investigatory powers targeting Israel, which they decry as part of a troubling anti-Israel trend. They caution that any support for this initiative by HRC members could lead to sanctions, urging rejection of the proposed international investigative mechanism focused solely on Israel and voicing concerns about the Council’s credibility.
In summary, Mast and Risch articulate a strong opposition to any UN efforts that would create investigatory powers against Israel, warning of sanctions for supporters of these measures. Their objections highlight a trend in the HRC that they see as undermining the UN’s credibility and diverting focus from real human rights violations. The urgency of their message is reinforced by the call to reject these proposals firmly to maintain the integrity of the Council.
Original Source: foreignaffairs.house.gov
