Return After 3 Years Since Trump Administration Withdrawal
Attention on Position Regarding North Korean Human Rights
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States has officially rejoined the United Nations Human Rights Council. Immediately after deciding to return to the Human Rights Council, the U.S. stated that it would prioritize addressing human rights issues in China, taking a firm stance against China. Attention is also focused on what voice the U.S. will raise regarding North Korean human rights issues.
On the 14th (local time), the UN General Assembly approved the United States as a member of the UN Human Rights Council through a vote. Along with the U.S., Cameroon, the United Arab Emirates, and Eritrea were also approved for council membership.
The United States withdrew from the Human Rights Council in 2018 during the administration of former President Donald Trump, citing dissatisfaction that the council was biased and hostile toward Israel. The U.S. also expressed dissatisfaction with China’s membership in the Human Rights Council, accusing it of suppressing human rights.
However, the Biden administration declared its return to the Human Rights Council immediately after taking office and has been participating as an observer.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The United States has fulfilled President Biden’s campaign promise to rejoin the Human Rights Council and will work to ensure that the council adheres to these principles."
She added, "The United States will focus on human rights issues in Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen," and said, "The United States will raise its voice against human rights violations and abuses."
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also said, "We will oppose the council’s excessive focus on Israel," signaling that the U.S. will defend Israel’s position.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stated in a press release, "The United States will work hard to ensure that the UN Human Rights Council better supports those fighting injustice and tyranny around the world."
Secretary Blinken also warned against the council’s excessive focus on Israel but did not provoke China or North Korea.
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