The Story
The US is withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council.
What exactly is that?
A group that talks about promoting and protecting human rights around the world. 47 countries are members. The council was created in '06, but the US didn't join until '09 when the Obama admin said 'we're in.' Now, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley says the council is "an organization that is not worthy of its name." And is pulling the US out.
What's the beef?
For a while, the US has said the council is biased against Israel. Haley pointed to earlier this year, when it passed five resolutions against Israel – more than Iran, North Korea, and Syria combined. She also called the group out for including members with their own reported human rights abuses (China, Cuba, Venezuela). This comes as the UN's top human rights official criticized the Trump admin for its "zero tolerance" immigration policy that separates kids from their families at the border. Speaking of, a new report came out about "tender age" shelters for babies and young children separated from their families.
What do supporters say?
The council is ignoring human rights issues in other countries. And it's time to make some changes. Haley left the door slightly open in case the group decides to get a makeover.
What do critics say?
Even though the council may have some issues, leaving isn't the best move. And the US should be stepping up, not backing out.
Anything else?
This comes as the admin is working on an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. And after the US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – which is still causing Palestinian outrage.
theSkimm
The US is the first country to voluntarily drop out of the council. The list of major international agreements the US is taking itself out of is getting longer. And it could be years before we know how drastic the consequences may be.
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