Trump Administration Toys with Withdrawal from Human Rights Council over Israel

The United States has been on the United Nations Human Rights Council since 2009.  But tensions over Israel have the Trump administration considering a withdrawal.

The Human Rights Council is a U.N. body that issues reports and investigations about human rights abuses around the world.  But at this month's session, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Erin Barclay said the U.S. was deeply troubled over the Council's "obsession" with Israel.

"No other nation is the focus of an entire agenda item.  How is that a sensible priority?" she said.

But the United States is in a unique position to shape Israel's relationship to the council.  In 2013, the U.S. played a crucial role in convincing Israel to participate in yearly reviews of its human rights practices.  United Nations expert Melissa Labonte says opening a dialogue will help other nations understand Israel's views on human rights.

"The more that Israel chooses to participate in those kinds of processes, the more other nations come to know them," she said.

Labonte says its too early to tell if the U.S. will withdraw from the Human Rights Council.  But, she says the possibility should be taken seriously.