US decides to rejoin “UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)”

US decides to rejoin “UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)”

The US seek re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This is the latest in a series of moves by the Biden administration to reverse a pattern of retreat from multilateralism that was characteristic of the Trump administration.

What is UNHRC?

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a major institution of UN focusing on Human Rights issues. This committee was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 in order to encourage the protection, and the promotion of Human Rights, and to make recommendations regarding Human Rights violations.

What is the Aim of UNHRC?

The main Aim of the UNHRC is to promote and protect human rights around the globe. Apart from that, the UNHRC also investigates alleged human rights violations in countries.

What are the significance of UNHRC?

The Council has the power to adopt resolutions, launch fact-finding missions and investigations, and establish commissions of inquiry. In particular, the HRC can appoint independent experts on specific issues.

The mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is to ensure universal enjoyment of all human rights, to remove obstacles to their effective implementation, and to enhance coordination and cooperation of human rights-related activities throughout the United Nations system.

The UN Security Council, at times, deals with grave human rights violations, often in conflict areas. The UN Charter gives the Security Council the authority to investigate and mediate, dispatch a mission, appoint special envoys, or request the Secretary-General to use his good offices.

US and UNHRC

Former U.S. President Donald Trump had taken the U.S. out of the Council in 2018 saying it was biased against Israel and had members who were human rights abusers.

Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. withdrew from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in October 2017 and June 2018 respectively.

The United States also announced its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization on July 6, 2020, effective one year later. However, this was later rescinded by Trump's successor as president Joe Biden.