Prior to the announcement, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), urged the US to remain engaged in the council so that it could work from within to effect change."When we walk away, we leave countries with horrific human rights records like Venezuela to fill the void,” Deutch said. "The US should be the leading voice on human rights around the world. We diminish our influence when we cede leadership by silencing our own voice.” UNHRC President Ambassador Vojislav Šuc of Slovenia said he regretted the US decision. “The Human Rights Council always stands to benefit from constructive engagement of its member States.”“In times when the value and strength of multilateralism and human rights are being challenged on a daily basis, it is essential that we uphold a strong and vibrant Council recognizing it as a central part of the United Nations for the 21st century,” Suc said.“Over the past 12 years, the Human Rights Council has tackled numerous human rights situations and issues keeping them in sharp focus. In many senses, the Council serves as an early warning system by sounding the alarm bells ahead of impending or worsening crises. Its actions lead to meaningful results for the countless human rights victims worldwide, those the Council serves,” he remarked.“The Human Rights Council is the only intergovernmental body responding to human rights issues and situations worldwide, with the active participation of civil society. It provides a unique setting to hear a wide range of views, including those which other organizations are unable or unwilling to discuss.”The US is one of the UNHRC’s 47-members. From the start of the Trump Administration Haley has repeatedly warned the UNHRC that it must halt its anti-Israel bias and institute reform measures.Among the bones of contention between the US and the UNHRC is the Agenda Item 7 mandate which requires a debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at each session. No other country has such a mandate leveled against it.All concerns regarding human rights abuses in all the other countries around the world are debated under Agenda Item 4.In the last month the US has waged a stiff behind the scenes battle at the UN to eliminate Agenda Item 7 but did not succeed in swaying countries to eliminate the mandate.Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.Congratulations to President Trump, Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Haley on their courageous decision to withdraw the USA from the UN Human Rights Council. America will continue to lead the world in advancing human rights without the baggage of this corrupt organization. https://t.co/ZjjvilrdJK
— David M. Friedman (@USAmbIsrael) June 20, 2018