Jun 19, 2018

U.S. backs out of UN Human Rights Council citing anti-Israel bias

A picture taken on June 18, 2018 in Geneva shows a general view during the opening of the 38th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The opening of the 38th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Photo: Alain Grosclaude/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration has left the United Nations Human Rights Council, explaining that it believes the council has “shown bias against Israel and a willingness to allow notorious human rights abusers as members,” reports the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The decision to leave the 47-nation body, while expected, is the latest move by the Trump administration to distance itself from international groups and agreements that it believes aren't in the best interest of the U.S. — including those that center on climate change, trade, NATO defense spending, and now human rights.

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