U.S quits UN human rights body

The United States on Tuesday announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) terming it “hypocritical and self-serving.” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley blamed the UNHRC for bias against Israel and refusing to eject members who are violators of human rights. Announcing the decision at the State Department, the officials named Russia, China, Cuba and Egypt for thwarting U.S. efforts to reform the Council. The UNHRC has been among the targets of President Donald Trump’s politics against global organisations and treaties. Under his presidency, the U.S. has withdrawn from the U.N. climate treaty and the UNESCO. UNHRC was founded in 2006. Then President George W. Bush was dismissive of the body. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. joined it in 2009. Source: The Hindu