Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, announced the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council. This reflects yet another spoke in the wheel of the Trump administration turning its back on America's global commitments.
The UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. The council has provided significant leadership standing up to countries which disputed the historic appointment of an envoy and expert serving LGBTQI human rights.
African Human Rights Coalition endorses the statement by OUTRIGHT:
“The US withdrawal from the Human Rights Council is symptomatic of overall US isolationism and a move away from multilateral diplomacy. This administration’s “America First” promise is rearing its head in every foreign and domestic policy decision, including this one.
While the US may see reasons for criticism of the Human Rights Council and advocate for reform, the institution has been the central international mechanism of accountability and justice for marginalized groups and people the world over. For many LGBTIQ people, the Human Rights Council and the United Nations as a whole are ports of last call when their own governments fail them.
Without a history of progress on LGBTQI human rights at the Human Rights Council we would have no progress to speak of within the UN system today. Withdrawing from the Council sends a message to other countries that its acceptable to walk away from the system when it doesn’t suit you to be there. Imagine, what would happen if all countries walked away from the UN because of disagreements?
Investing in multilateralism is not just integral to preserving and progressing human rights, it is essential to promoting peace and security. OutRight believes in the international system and the integrity of the Human Rights Council. We look forward to continue working with everyone who share these values.”
