US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will soon announce the return of the United States to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) as an observer. The Associated Press reports this citing its sources.
According to the information of the American edition, on Monday Blinken and a high-ranking US diplomat in Geneva will announce this US decision. Although the United States initially plans to return to observer status, it will strive to become a full member. It is noted that the administration of US President Joe Biden considers it necessary to reform the council, since it is “an important forum for those who fight against tyranny and injustice around the world.
In October 2020, Russia was elected a member of the UN Human Rights Council. During the meeting of the General Assembly of the World Organization, 158 states voted for Russia. The Russian Permanent Mission to the UN Office at Geneva recalled that Russia joined the Council after a four-year hiatus.
US officials announced the country’s withdrawal from the HRC in 2018. The administration of former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the council for its “biased” attitude towards Israel and the membership of Venezuela, China and Cuba.