US slammed for human rights record at UN

World

Published: 2020-11-10 12:11

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 17:21


US slammed for human rights record at UN
US slammed for human rights record at UN

 

Representatives of the US administration were subjected to a wave of criticism Monday at the United Nations against the backdrop of violence by the police, racial tensions, treatment of immigrants, and other human rights issues that are a source of international concern.

Monday, representatives of about 120 countries participated in a discussion session, most of which was organized via video, on the reality of human rights in the United States. Participants issued a list of recommendations to improve the US record in this regard.

A large number of US officials defended the United States' human rights record.

"Our commitment to human rights issues is based on a firm political and moral commitment to accountability and transparency," said the US ambassador at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva and the head of the US delegation, Andrew Bremberg.

During the "Universal Periodic Show" session held Monday, which every member state is subjected to every four or five years, the most frequently discussed issue related to excessive police violence towards African Americans and other minorities.

Washington has also been criticized against the backdrop of the repressive approach adopted by President Donald Trump's administration towards immigrants, especially the separation of thousands of children from their families at the borders.

Appeals have been made to Washington to reverse its decision to withdraw from the Human Rights Council adopted in 2018, not to proceed with imposing penalties on two members of the International Criminal Court and to work to abolish the death penalty.

The US elections that ended last week were not covered in detail, but a group of countries, including Germany, Greece and Russia, appealed to Washington to protect the right to vote.

The timing of the session, days after Democrat Joe Biden was declared winning the frenzied presidential election, forced US officials to take a defensive stance on policies that are likely to change within a few months.

But observers considered that the "universal periodic presentation" session could carry an important message.

"The message from the United Nations Human Rights Council is very clear," Jamil Dakour, director of the human rights program at the American Civil Liberties Union, told AFP. "The Biden/Harris administration should prioritize recommitting to human rights issues globally and take bold measures from the first day towards abolishing the harmful effects of President Trump's policies."

Monday's session is the third to be devoted to Washington after 2010 and 2015.