Umamageswari Maruthappan
The United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres has welcomed the United States’ decision to re-enter the Human Rights Council after President Joe Biden’s direction to “immediately and robustly” recommit with the Council.
“The United Nations looks forward to hearing the crucial voice of the United States across the Council’s urgent work,” read the statement issued by UN Chief’s Spokesperson.
The US Mission while agreeing to the flaws in the UN Council, nevertheless, believes that the Council could “help in promoting the fundamental freedoms around the world.”
“The United States will continue to fight for global peace and security, and to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,” assured the Mission. However, Secretary of The State, Antony Blinken, had affirmed that the US will only be an “observer”.
The United States had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council in June 2018 under Donald Trump’s Presidency. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley had announced the decision claiming the Council to “damage the cause of human rights” and for showing “chronic bias against Israel”.
The Human Rights Council was created on 15th March 2006 with 47 Member States. The Council replaces the Geneva-based Commission on Human Rights. It was adopted by the General Assembly resolution 60/251 to address infringements of Human Rights and to promote coordination of the Human Rights within the UN System.