The United Nations Human Rights Council

Over the years, many Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the role and effectiveness of the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (Council). The Council is the primary intergovernmental body mandated with addressing human rights on a global level. The United States was a member for two three-year terms during the Obama Administration, and a third term during the first part of the Trump Administration. In June 2018, the Trump Administration withdrew from the Council, noting concerns with the Council's focus on Israel, overall ineffectiveness in addressing human rights issues, and lack of reform. Over the years, U.S. policymakers have debated U.S. participation in and funding of the Council. The George W. BushAdministration voted against the General Assembly resolution creating the Council and did not run for membership (as it hadas a member of the previous Commission on Human Rights); it also decided to withhold U.S. funding to the organization inFY2008 under a provision enacted by Congress. Conversely, the Obama Administration supported the overall purpose of theCouncil and decided that it was better to work from within as a member to improve Council effectiveness. The ObamaAdministration was also critical of the Council's focus on Israel, sometimes boycotting debates on the issue. The UnitedStates was elected to the Council in 2009 and in 2012. In October 2016, it was elected for a third term, which began inJanuary 2017. The United States remained a member during the Trump Administration until mid-2018, when it withdrew.Presumptive President-elect Joseph Biden stated in December 2019 that under his Administration the United States "willrejoin the U.N. Human Rights Council and work to ensure that body truly lives up to its values." The United States currentlyserves as a Council observer and may run for a seat in the next election scheduled for late 2021.