Politics & Government

U.S. To Leave United Nations Human Rights Council: Report

The Associated Press reports Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is the primary proponent behind to move.

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. is reportedly going to be exiting the the U.N. Human Rights Council, the group's primary body dedicated to protecting human rights. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley will make announce the decision in a joint appearance Tuesday at the State Department, The Associated Press reported, citing anonymous officials.

The move comes as the Trump administration faces intense criticism over its policy to separate immigrant children from their parents.

The AP reported that Haley — who had threatened as such last year — has been the main proponent of the move. She has said the council is biased against Israel, a key U.S. ally.

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The council is the principle intergovernmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion — and protection — of human rights around the globe.

The Council meets throughout the year, providing a forum where world leaders can address human rights violations. The members make recommendations on how to better implement human rights on the ground. and can launch investigations into alleged human rights violations.

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The Council is made up of 47 member nations who are elected by the UN General Assembly. They meet in Geneva, Switzerland.

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