U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley announced yesterday that the United States has withdrawn from the U.N. Human Rights Council due to its “chronic bias” against Israel.

The Human Rights Council, “an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe,” is based in Geneva and made up of 47 member states. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The U.N. Council was formed in 2006. President George W. Bush refused U.S. participation, but under the Obama administration, the United States joined the council. President Trump has now withdrawn because the council is so biased against Israel.

Haley’s announcement comes after the council voted last month to investigate the deaths of Palestinian protesters in the Gaza Strip and accused Israel of excessive use of force. Haley said, “We take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organization that makes a mockery of human rights.” 

Haley said the withdrawal “is not a retreat from human rights commitments” and accused the council of being “a protector of human rights abusers and a cesspool of political bias.” She also noted the 47-nation group needs “major, dramatic, systemic changes, yet no other country has had the courage to join our fight” and leave the body. Haley called out the group for admitting Congo as a member when mass graves were discovered there. She also cited Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Egypt, China, and Russia among the countries that attempted to undermine reforms within the council. “Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights,” said Haley.

Read the Press Release and join the conversation on Facebook!