US Seeking Seat On UN Rights Council: Blinken
Faizan Hashmi Published February 24, 2021 | 02:40 PM
Geneva, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Feb, 2021 ) :The United States is seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council, three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew, the US top 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 after Trump's administration pulled the country out in June 2018.
He complained about its "unrelenting bias" against Israel and the "hypocrisy" of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table.
The US departure left a void that China and others have been eager to fill at the council.
While Washington has vowed to begin active participation in the council's activities immediately, it could not automatically regain the membership it walked away from three years ago.
Elections for the next term will be held towards the end 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 main annual session, which this year is being held mainly virtually due to the pandemic.
"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 said.
But while the US under new President Joe Biden is eager to return to the fold of the council, Blinken stressed that the country still agrees with some of the criticisms lobbed by the previous administration.
"Institutions are not perfect," he said.
"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 said.
"In addition, we will focus on ensuring that the council membership reflects high standards for upholding human rights," he added.
The United States has long complained that prominent rights abusers are given seats on the council.
Currently the membership includes 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 said.
"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."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan visits Rawalpindi ..
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
19 hours ago -
Experts for ending child labour
3 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
3 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
5 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
6 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
6 days ago
-
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
6 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
8 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
8 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
10 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
12 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
12 days ago