U.S. leaving UN Human Rights Council

The United States is leaving the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, accusing the organisation of hypocrisy and bias against Israel


CURRENT MEMBERSHIP OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on regional group basis

Membership terms
2016-2018	2017-2019 	2018-2020

U.S.
Cuba
Venezuela
D.R. Congo
Saudi Arabia
China


2006: Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council created to replace UN Commission on Human Rights,
which had been heavily criticised for having countries with poor human rights records as members

2009: U.S. joins council under President Barack Obama, reversing Bush administration’s decision to boycott body over concerns it was no different to its predecessor

2013: Human rights groups voice complaints about council after China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Vietnam are elected members

2017: U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration threatens to leave council unless it makes reforms

June 2018: U.S. Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley (below) announces U.S. intention to quit

Haley criticises council for hostility toward Israel and claims human rights abusers –
such as China, Cuba, Venezuela and Democratic Republic of Congo – continue to be elected as members


Sources: Associated Press, BBC, UNHRC 
Picture: Associated Press 
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