Israel Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council
In a move that has sparked both applause and criticism, Israel has announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing persistent and institutional bias against the country. This decision marks a significant development in the complex and often contentious relationship between Israel and the UN.
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revealed the decision in a letter to the UNHRC, stating that the decision was made in light of the ongoing and unrelenting institutional bias against Israel in the council. This bias, according to Saar, has been persistent since the council’s inception in 2006.
The UNHRC was established in 2006 to promote and protect human rights around the world. The council is composed of 47 member states, which elect members for three-year terms. The council’s mandate includes investigating and addressing human rights abuses, as well as promoting human rights education and awareness.
Israel’s decision to withdraw from the UNHRC comes amid growing tensions between the country and the international community. The UNHRC has been criticized by Israel and other countries for its perceived anti-Israel bias, with many accusing the council of singling out Israel for criticism while ignoring human rights abuses in other parts of the world.
In recent years, the UNHRC has adopted several resolutions critical of Israel, including a 2019 resolution that condemned Israel’s “occupation” of Palestinian territories and called for an end to the occupation. Israel has long maintained that these territories, including East Jerusalem, are part of its homeland and that any resolution to the conflict must take into account the country’s security concerns.
The withdrawal of Israel from the UNHRC has been met with both praise and criticism. Some have hailed the decision as a necessary step to address the perceived bias against Israel, while others have condemned the move as a retreat from the international stage.
The United States, a long-standing ally of Israel, has also been critical of the UNHRC’s handling of human rights issues. In 2018, the US withdrew from the UNHRC citing concerns over the council’s anti-Israel bias and its lack of effectiveness in promoting human rights.
The withdrawal of Israel from the UNHRC is likely to have significant implications for the country’s international relations. Israel is a member of several other UN agencies and organizations, including the UN General Assembly and the UN Development Programme. The country’s withdrawal from the UNHRC may also impact its ability to participate in international forums and discussions on human rights issues.
In a statement, the Israeli government emphasized that its decision to withdraw from the UNHRC was not a retreat from its commitment to human rights. Rather, the government stated that it would continue to promote and protect human rights through other international forums and organizations.
The impact of Israel’s withdrawal on the UNHRC and the international human rights landscape remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the decision marks a significant turning point in the complex and often contentious relationship between Israel and the UN.
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