U.S. Bids Farewell to UN Human Rights Council – and Why It’s a Big Deal
In a mid‑night press‑briefing on June 19th, the U.S. announced it’s pulling out of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took the stage in Washington, telling reporters the move was born out of a campaign to “shame” the council and expose its alleged bias—especially when it comes to Israel.
Why This Matter
- The U.N. Human Rights Council (founded in 2006) is supposed to be the world’s watchdog for human rights.
- Over the years, the council’s reports have frequently clashed with American interests.
- US officials argue the body has become a “political playground” that favors criticisms of Israel while overlooking other abuses.
How the Decision Unfolded
After the top U.N. human‑rights official slammed the U.S. for separating migrant families at the Mexico‑U.S. border, Nikki Haley freshened up the scene with a strong stance:
“The council has turned into a safe haven for human‑rights violators and a shower of political bias. It’s time for a makeover, or we’ll just stay away.”
Pompeo added the same tune—highlighting the council’s “well‑documented bias against Israel” and its petri dish of alliances that undermine proper member selection.
Israel’s Take & U.S. Re‑affirmation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. exodus, calling the council “a hostile, anti‑Israel organization that betrays its own mission.” Haley, even more scathing, warned future U.S. strategists that the criticism was a “mockery of human rights.”
International Responses
UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over Washington’s exit, stressing the role of the U.N. in promoting and protecting rights worldwide.
Meanwhile, Union High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’d Al Hussein chastised the U.S. in an earlier statement about the refugee families ordeal, describing the practice as “unconscionable.”
Human Rights Watch added a cynical note, pointing out the Trump administration’s “one‑dimensional human rights policy.” The watchdog warned that the U.S. absences mean other governments would shoulder the burden of addressing major human‑rights crises in places like North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, and South Sudan.
The Bottom Line
- The U.S. has historically declined to engage in the UNHRC—originating in the Bush era—and only joined in 2009.
- Under Trump’s tenure, Washington also left UNESCO, cut U.N. funding, and rolled back its commitment to the Paris climate pact.
- As the U.S. pulls out, the global dialogue on human rights and the council’s future direction face an uncertain crossroads.
What comes next is a question many offices and advocacy groups are watching closely. Will the removal hurt the world’s ability to hold all nations, including Israel, accountable? Or will it pave the way for a more balanced, unbiased forum? Only time, and a fair amount of debate, will tell.
