THE United States said on Monday it would “re-engage” with the UN Human Rights Council, nearly three years after former president Donald Trump’s administration withdrew.
President Joe Biden “has instructed the Department of State to re-engage immediately and robustly with the UN Human Rights Council”, US top diplomat Anthony Blinken said in a statement issued as the council held an organisational meeting in Geneva.
The move marks yet another reversal by Biden of his predecessor’s policies.
Trump’s administration yanked the country out of the 47-member council in June 2018, complaining about its “unrelenting bias” against Israel and “hypocrisy” of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table.
The country cannot automatically regain membership, instead needing to wait for elections towards the end of the year.
The US departure left a void that China and others have been eager to fill at the council, created in 2006.
LEADERSHIP VACUUM
Blinken said
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
