We reported last month that the Obama administration had reversed Bush administration policy, and would run for a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council.
UNHRC has a reputation a redoubt for dictatorships who tend to suppress talk of their own abuses and who focus on Israel’s alleged transgressions. Bush administration policy was to boycott; the Obama administration (backed by some Jewish groups) prefers to engage in order to influence change.
Candidates for the council must publish platforms, and the State Department released its commitments and pledges today. Here it (pdf) is; I thought this was significant, considering UNHRC’s Israel obsession:
The United States commits to working with princi-pled determination for a balanced, credible, and effective UN Human Rights Council to advance the purpose of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This also, in light of recent efforts by some Muslim majority nations to use international fora "protect" (i.e., suppress legitimate criticism of) the faith that prevails in their lands – while ignoring attacks on genuinely threatened minority faiths (The Baha’i in Iran, for instance):
The United States commits to continuing to promote freedom of religion for individuals of all beliefs, particularly members of minority and vulnerable religious groups, through dedicated outreach, advocacy, training and programmatic efforts.
The elections take place May 12.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
