The Biden administration has announced that the US will not seek reelection for a second consecutive term on the UN Human Rights Council. This decision marks a shift from the previous administration’s stance, as the Biden administration had initially prioritised US membership on the council when it took office in 2021, following former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal due to perceived anti-Israel bias.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller cited ongoing discussions with allies as the reason for not seeking another term on the council at this time. The Biden administration expressed confidence that other countries from the Western Hemisphere and Others group, such as Iceland, Spain, and Switzerland, would effectively represent American interests and values on the council.
The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 to replace a discredited human rights commission. However, it has faced criticism for allowing rights-abusing countries to protect themselves and their allies. The US has been vocal in defending Israel and has raised concerns about what it perceives as anti-Israel bias within the council.
Spain, a candidate for the council, has been criticised by Israel for its decision to recognise a Palestinian state, while the US’s withdrawal in 2018 under the Trump administration was in part due to what it viewed as excessive criticism of Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had expressed the importance of US leadership in the council and criticised the vacuum created by the previous withdrawal.
The decision not to seek reelection reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to engaging with allies and pursuing a strategic approach to human rights issues. While the US may not be a candidate for the upcoming term on the UN Human Rights Council, it remains dedicated to advancing human rights causes through other means and continued engagement on global issues.