US Influences UN Human Rights Council’s Stance on Gaza Investigation
Two months after President Donald Trump announced the US would disengage from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the US has continued to exert influence over the council’s actions, both publicly and privately, according to diplomats and rights workers.
Although the US did not participate in the council’s six-week session, its lobbying efforts had an impact, particularly regarding a proposal by Pakistan to establish an International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for investigating Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The US has long accused the UNHRC of having an anti-Israel bias.
On Wednesday, the UNHRC passed a version of Pakistan’s proposal that did not include the creation of the IIIM, which would have granted additional investigative powers. Instead, the council merely invited the UN General Assembly to consider the mechanism in the future.
Prior to the vote, US lawmakers, including Brian Mast and James R. Risch, sent a letter warning against the proposal, threatening consequences similar to those imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigation into Israeli officials. US diplomats also reportedly pressured Geneva-based diplomats to oppose the proposal.
While the US has withdrawn from the UNHRC, its influence remains evident, and its actions have drawn criticism. Human Rights Watch’s Lucy McKernan criticized the US for trying to influence UN proceedings while disengaging from the council.
Key Points:
US Influence: Despite leaving the UNHRC, the US continued to apply pressure on the council’s work, particularly on Pakistan’s proposal for an investigative mechanism on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pakistan’s Proposal: The proposal aimed to establish an IIIM to investigate Israeli actions but was modified to only invite the UN General Assembly to consider the mechanism in the future.
US Opposition: US lawmakers sent a letter warning of consequences if the proposal passed and US diplomats pressured others to oppose the new investigation.
Diplomatic Tension: The US’s actions raise concerns about its attempts to influence the UN while not actively participating in its work, drawing criticism from rights groups.
The US continues to exert significant influence over the UNHRC despite its withdrawal from the council, effectively shaping key decisions, particularly regarding investigations into Israel’s actions. While Pakistan’s proposal on an independent investigation was diluted, the episode highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and the UN, as well as concerns over the US’s selective engagement in global diplomatic matters.
