From NPR · · 1m 40s
U.S. skips human rights review at U.N. for second year
The United States boycotts its mandatory universal periodic review at the U.N. Human Rights Council, becoming the only member state ever to do so twice.
In brief
The United States boycotts its mandatory universal periodic review at the U.N. Human Rights Council, becoming the only member state ever to do so twice. The U.S. left an empty chair at its U.N. human rights review for the second consecutive year, the only member state ever to skip the mandatory process twice…
U.S. leaves empty chair at U.N. review
The United States boycotted its mandatory universal periodic review at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva for the second year running, becoming the only member state ever to do so.
What the review is supposed to do
The universal periodic review is meant to be universal.Each of the one hundred ninety-three U.N.
ACLU accuses U.S. of unabashed violations
Jamil Dakwar, the American Civil Liberties Union's human rights director, told journalists the current U.S. administration was violating human rights unabashed, citing treatment of immigrants, student protesters and the LGBTQ community.
“unabashed”
State Department defends withdrawal
The State Department said Washington had formally withdrawn from the U.N. Human Rights Council, accusing it of pushing anti-American rhetoric. Leaving the council does not exempt the U.S. from the mandatory review process.
“pushing anti-American rhetoric”
U.N. fears dangerous precedent
U.N. insiders fear holding the review without U.S. participation could set a risky precedent. Even authoritarian regimes such as North Korea take part. If the U.N. allows this, other member states might stay away too.
U.N. postpones decision until next year
The U.N.has decided to postpone deliberations about how to react until early next year.For now, a process regarded as a last resort for victims of human rights violations is not available to U.S.citizens.
The big picture
The U.S. left an empty chair at its U.N. human rights review for the second consecutive year, the only member state ever to skip the mandatory process twice.
