Insta
UNHRC Meeting Room. (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:GnuCivodul">Ludovic Courtès</a> via Wikimedia Commons)
In a move that can potentially erase much of the authority the body enjoys, the United States (US) has decided to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Economic Times has reported.
Announcing the decision, the US ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Nikki Haley condemned the body for its ‘shameless hypocrisy’ and ‘disproportionate focus and unending hostility toward Israel’ while ignoring those who actually commit rights violations.
Interestingly, a few days back, the body had released a report condemning Indian role in Kashmir. India had hit back at the ‘selective’ nature of report and had called out the council for calling Islamic terrorists as ‘leaders’. The US move further emboldens India’s stand.
Haley said that the US does not need to take lessons in human rights from hypocritical institutions. Other US lawmakers also welcomed the move.
"... the Human Rights Council has become an exercise in shameless hypocrisy - with many of the world's worst human rights abuses going ignored and some of the world's most serious offenders sitting on the council itself," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon also welcomed the move saying, "The Human Rights Council has long been the foe of those who truly care about human rights around the world. The US has proven, yet again, its commitment to truth and justice and their unwillingness to allow the blind hatred of Israel in international institutions to stand unchallenged."
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest