U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley wouldn’t commit to a full American withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council, instead pushing the body to make necessary reforms to its structure and functions.
Speaking in Geneva, Haley said the U.S. would not “sit quietly as this body damages the cause of human rights,” reiterating that a strong UNHRC would serve in the best interests of the U.S.
The focal point of Haley’s criticism was Agenda Item 7, which requires a debate of Israel’s alleged human rights abuses of Palestinians at every session. Haley denounced the council’s repeated focus on penalizing Israel, pointing to 70 resolutions aimed at Israel while only seven have been leveled against Iran.
Referring to it as a “relentless campaign” against Israel, Haley argued the decision to penalize a country with a respectable human rights record made a mockery of the council itself. She added the measure is a stamp of approval for the “anti-semitic BDS movement,” and the removal of the agenda item would put all countries on equal footing.
Haley further suggested that the council’s focus on human rights abuses would be more appropriate for violators like Iran, North Korea and Syria.
Haley defended her recent criticism of Venezuela at a U.N. Security Council meeting, stating that “human rights is absolutely part of keeping security.” Haley warned that the U.S. wants to make sure that the situation in Venezuela will not turn into the situation in Syria.
With that in mind, Haley emphasized that nations on the council should not be afraid to address human rights abuses, even if the violator is a border nation or trade partner. Haley said when the U.S. sees something wrong, the aim will be to get out in front and stop it.
Haley said her philosophy is to learn from the past and despite her criticisms, she sees them as part of making the council better and stronger, arguing it can be a “true leader” on human rights abuses.
During her speech, Haley cited the prior humanitarian work of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Roosevelt didn’t rely solely on the U.N. to accomplish her goals, instead appealing to “the hearts of the people,” Haley said.
Noting that maintaining the status quo was unacceptable, Haley suggested that the U.S. would remain an active player in addressing human rights violations going forward, regardless of their membership status on the council.
“Let the world be on notice: we will not give up the cause of human rights.”
