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The United States declined to participate Friday in a scheduled review of its human rights record by the United Nations Human Rights Council, following orders from the Trump administration which has distanced itself from the international body.
In a move that dismayed allies and human rights advocates, the U.S. seat remained vacant as the council president called for American input during the regular assessment process that all UN member states undergo. Council members expressed disappointment over the absence and moved to reschedule the U.S. review for next year, as such evaluations cannot proceed without the participation of the country being reviewed.
The U.S. had previously announced in September that it would not take part in Friday’s session, though there is no indication whether the administration would engage in a rescheduled review next year either.
This marks a significant departure from America’s traditional role as a leading participant in international human rights forums. The review would have been the fourth assessment of the United States since the 47-member council was established approximately two decades ago.
“The Trump administration is setting a dangerous example that will further weaken universal human rights at home and abroad,” said Chandra Bhatnagar, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California. The American Civil Liberties Union highlighted ongoing domestic rights concerns, including “discrimination and violence inflicted in ICE raids, attacks on free speech of protesters and journalists, and the deployment of the National Guard in American cities when no crisis exists.”
The United States’ refusal to participate in the review process is nearly unprecedented. Israel remains the only other nation to have rejected the council’s review mechanism when it declined to participate in 2013. However, Israeli officials eventually took part nine months later.
President Trump issued an executive order in February announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the Human Rights Council. This follows a pattern established during his first administration, which pulled out of the council in 2018, citing alleged anti-Israel bias and the body’s resistance to reform. Despite that earlier withdrawal, the U.S. had continued to participate in the review process during Trump’s first term.
The Biden administration had previously restored U.S. membership in the council, underscoring the dramatic policy shifts that have occurred between administrations regarding international human rights engagement.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk earlier this year expressed concern about what he described as a “fundamental shift in direction” in the United States’ approach to human rights issues on the global stage.
The U.S. absence from Friday’s session reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and multilateral institutions. Throughout both his administrations, Trump has consistently criticized international organizations, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, and NATO, arguing they constrain American sovereignty and fail to deliver results proportionate to U.S. financial contributions.
Human rights experts warn that America’s withdrawal from international human rights mechanisms could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide and weaken global accountability systems that have been developed over decades to protect vulnerable populations.
The Human Rights Council conducts periodic reviews of all 193 UN member countries approximately every four to five years, examining compliance with international human rights standards and making recommendations for improvements. The process is designed to treat all nations equally and provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue on human rights practices.
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14 Comments
This decision by the US is disappointing. Transparent human rights reviews, even for major powers, are important for upholding global accountability. The US should reconsider its stance and participate in the rescheduled assessment next year.
I agree. The US has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights by engaging in the UN review process, even if it faces criticism. Avoiding the assessment weakens America’s moral authority on these issues.
It’s disappointing to see the US skipping this human rights review. While the US is not perfect, it has historically been a champion of human rights globally. This withdrawal weakens America’s moral authority and soft power.
You raise a fair point. The US has an imperfect human rights record, like any country. But its leadership has often been important for advancing human rights worldwide. This absence is a concerning step backward.
The US withdrawal from this human rights review is concerning. While the country has flaws, it has historically been a key voice for promoting human rights worldwide. This absence risks further undermining American credibility and influence on the global stage.
Well said. The US should lead by example and participate in the UN assessment, even if it means addressing areas for improvement. Disengagement is a worrying step that could embolden other countries to sidestep human rights scrutiny.
While the US is not perfect, it has historically played a crucial role in promoting human rights globally. Skipping this UN review is a worrying step that risks eroding American leadership on these critical issues.
You make a fair point. The US should engage constructively with the UN Human Rights Council to address its concerns, rather than withdraw. Disengagement cedes influence to other powers that may not share American values.
This is certainly a concerning development. The US has played a leading role in international human rights discussions for decades. Withdrawing from the UN review process sends a troubling message about America’s commitment to human rights on the global stage.
I agree. The US should remain engaged with the UN Human Rights Council, even if it has criticisms. Disengagement risks further isolating the US and ceding its influence on these important issues.
I’m puzzled by the US decision to skip this review. Transparent evaluations of human rights records are important for all countries, including the US. This move seems to undermine American credibility on these issues.
Agreed. The US should set an example by actively participating in the UN review process, even if it faces some criticism. Withdrawing weakens its ability to shape the global human rights agenda.
This is a disappointing development. The US has played a vital role in championing human rights globally, even if its own record is not perfect. Skipping this UN review weakens America’s moral standing and influence on these critical issues.
I agree. The US should engage constructively with the UN Human Rights Council to address any concerns, rather than withdraw from the process entirely. Avoiding accountability sets a poor example for other nations.