Biden Admin Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council

The Biden administration has chosen not to pursue another term on the UN Human Rights Council. This decision comes after frequent disagreements with the council's votes, including its stance on the Middle East. The administration will continue to engage with allies on human rights while other candidates will represent US interests.

The Biden administration has decided against seeking a consecutive term on the UN Human Rights Council, according to a State Department announcement made on Monday.

Initially rejoining the council to reverse Trump's 2018 withdrawal, citing anti-Israel bias, the Biden administration has often clashed with the council's votes on Middle Eastern matters. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller conveyed that the decision was made in collaboration with allies to determine the best path forward.

Elections for the 47-member council are pending, with Iceland, Spain, and Switzerland from the Western Hemisphere group standing as candidates. Miller emphasized that these nations have robust human rights records and would uphold American values, while the US remains an active participant in human rights discussions. The council, formed in 2006, intended to address criticisms of its predecessor, but has faced similar issues, such as rights abusers securing seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)