US withdraws from 'hypocritical and self-serving' UN Human Rights Council

The United States is withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council, labelling the council a ‘cesspool of bias’, over its failure to hold abusers accountable.

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, blasted the council: "When a so-called Human Rights Council cannot bring itself to address the massive abuses in Venezuela and Iran, and it welcomes the Democratic Republic of Congo as a new member, the council ceases to be worthy of its name. Such a council, in fact, damages the cause of human rights", Haley said.

“Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights”, she added.

Haley did leave the door open for a return to the council saying the United States will continue to promote human rights outside of the council and would consider rejoining it in the future if reforms are made.

Other pillars of Human rights such as Saudi Arabia have a seat on the UN council. Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen – which have targeted hospitals and funeral– not to mention their bombardment of ports where aid is being delivered to a population on the verge of famine makes their inclusion on the council laughable.

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