Geneva:
The United States is searching for election to the UN Human Rights Council, 3 years immediately after former president Donald Trump’s administration withdrew, the US leading diplomat told the rights body Wednesday.
“I’m pleased to announce the United States will seek election to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the council in a video message.
“We humbly ask for the support of all UN member states in our bid to return to a seat in this body.”
The United States announced earlier this month that it would re-engage with the 47-member council immediately after Trump’s administration pulled the nation out in June 2018.
He complained about its “unrelenting bias” against Israel and the “hypocrisy” of permitting rights-abusing nations a seat at the table.
The US departure left a void that China and other individuals have been eager to fill at the council.
While Washington has vowed to commence active participation in the council’s activities instantly, it could not automatically regain the membership it walked away from 3 years ago.
Elections for the next term will be held towards the finish of this year.
“The United States is placing democracy and human rights at the centre of our foreign policy, because they are essential for peace and stability,” Blinken told the council’s most important annual session, which this year is becoming held mostly practically due to the pandemic.
– ‘High standards’ –
“This commitment is firm and grounded in our own experience as a democracy, imperfect and often falling short of our own ideals, but striving always for a more inclusive, respectful, and free country,” he stated.
But even though the US beneath new President Joe Biden is eager to return to the fold of the council, Blinken stressed that the nation nonetheless agrees with some of the criticisms lobbed by the prior administration.
“Institutions are not perfect,” he stated.
“As the United States reengages, we urge the Human Rights Council to look at how it conducts its business. That includes its disproportionate focus on Israel,” he stated.
“In addition, we will focus on ensuring that the council membership reflects high standards for upholding human rights,” he added.
The United States has extended complained that prominent rights abusers are provided seats on the council.
Currently the membership contains China, Russia, and Venezuela, along with Cuba, Cameroon, Eritrea and the Philippines.
“Those with the worst human rights records should not be members of this council,” Blinken stated.
“We must work together to improve the work and membership of the council so it can do even more to advance the rights of people around the world.”
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