Blinken calls on UN Human Rights Council to end 'unacceptable bias against Israel'
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the Biden administration would seek full membership on the Geneva-based council.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday that the United States would seek a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, where Washington would counter what he called the rights body’s “unacceptable bias against Israel."
“I’m here to reaffirm America’s commitment to respect and defend the human rights of all people, everywhere,” Blinken told the 47-member body in a video.
Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced it had rejoined the council as an observer, in keeping with the president’s pledge to put human rights at the forefront of his foreign policy. The US will run for a three-year, full-member seat on the council during elections held by the wider UN General Assembly in October.
"Institutions are not perfect," Blinken said. "As the United States reengages, we urge the Human Rights Council to look at how it conducts its business. That includes its disproportionate focus on Israel."
