Joe Biden seeks to rejoin UN human rights council in another reversal of Trump policies

In yet anor reversal of Trump-era policy, Biden ministration is set to announce US’ return to UN Human Rights Council, which 45th President abandoned nearly three years ago. Biden is seeking 'observer' status for US in confirmation of his campaign pledge. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a senior US diplomat in Geneva will announce Washington’s reenlisting on Geneva-based multilateral organization UNHRC in week ahe. decision, however, is likely to draw criticism from American conservatives and pro-Israel officials. Blinken, a long-time human rights champion, said in a statement that UNHRC corresponds with US’ support of liberal values, and “shines a spotlight on countries with worst human rights records.” Furrmore, he stressed, that body serves as an important forum in combatting injustice and tyranny. 

In 2018, US quit 47-member council under Trump ministration’s ‘America First’ policy, labelling council a "cesspool of political bias” and a “self-serving organization displaying unending hostility towards Israel”. n US envoy to UN, Nikki Haley, slammed UNHRC of being a "hypocritical" body, which makes "mockery of human rights”.Haley delivered remarks alongside former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who in turn, called UN Human Rights Council "a protector of human rights abuses”. In response to Trump’s withdrawal from council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret, while UN's human rights chief Zeid Ra' al-Hussein labelled Trump’s decision "disappointing, if not really surprising, news”. Israel, meanwhile, hailed US’ dismissal.

Trump, among or objections, raised issue of China, Cuba, Eritrea, Russia and Venezuela, being a member to intergovernmental council, all of whom have held history of human rights violations and humanitarian crimes. Blinken, meanwhile, in his recent dress at a presser argued that United States can cement body's deficiencies by being “at table”, and reforming agenda, membership, and focus, ding that it was a shame to give up on 'influential tool'. 

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To secure one of three seats

Biden ministration, next week, aims to secure one of three full member seats — held by Austria, Denmark, and Italy — from "Western Europe and or states group" that will be up for grabs later this year, Associated Press reported, citing US State Department official’s statement. “We know that Council has potential to be an important forum for those fighting tyranny and injustice around world,”  agency furr quoted Secretary of State Antony Blinken as saying. “By being present at table, we seek to reform it and ensure it can live up to that potential,” he said. 193-member UN General Assembly is expected to elect members later this year for up to a maximum of three years. No members that can exceed two consecutive terms. A secret ballot will be cast for a fair and just representation. 

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(Image Credit: AP)