WASHINGTON: The US early today withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council, accusing it of a “chronic bias against Israel,” a move that activists warned would make advancing human rights globally even more difficult.
Standing with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US Ambassador to the UN Nicki Haley condemned Russia, China, Cuba and Egypt for thwarting US efforts to reform the council. “Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights,” said Haley, citing Venezuela, China, Cuba and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Washington’s withdrawal is the latest US rejection of multilateral engagement after it pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.