Posted on 05/12/2009 10:08:54 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
The United States has been elected to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the first time.
The council had been shunned by the Bush administration, which accused it of admitting states with poor rights records and having an anti-Israel bias.
But the Obama administration has reversed its predecessor's policy of boycotting the Geneva-based body.
The US was one of 18 countries elected to the 47-seat council in a vote by the UN General Assembly.
It received 167 votes, far more than the 97 votes needed in the secret ballot.
The Obama administration announced in March that it would be seeking to join the Human Rights Council as part of a broader strategy to create a "new era of engagement" with the rest of the world.
Previously, the US government had accused the council of being hijacked by countries with a strong bias against Israel, and had criticised it for its failure to condemn perceived human rights violations by the Sudanese government in Darfur.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
I'm not surprised. Obama loves those who hate Israel, and he'll learn from the example these countries set in abusing the rights of their citizens. Working with them is a double win for the druggie in our White House.
“Cool now at least there will be a country on the council that believes in human rights.”
Only if the people who want their human rights are not babies or conservatives.
Which country are you referring to?
I’m not impressed with any organization that had a former Nazi SS officer as their General Secretary.
Sounds like the Ø Administration fits right in.
I believe you are confusing the American PEOPLE with the American GOVERNMENT. I see no evidence whatsoever that Barack Obama's government believes in human rights.
I’m sure Zero will be applauded by all 57 states.
What a great honor. For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country. (cough.)
I was referring to the American People, the true greatness of this country; not the incomptentent morons in goberment who just think they're great. The American people have more understanding of human rights then any other people on Earth. Individual freedom is the cornerstone of human rights and liberty; concepts this country was built on. Most Americans get that I believe.
I agree with you entirely regarding the understanding of the American people.
Unfortunately, it will bee Obama’s government that speaks in America’s name on this council.
Unfortunately that is true
The List, ping
The council had been shunned by the Bush administration, which accused it of admitting states with poor rights records and having an anti-Israel bias. But the Obama administration has reversed its predecessor's policy of boycotting... The US was one of 18 countries elected to the 47-seat council in a vote by the UN General Assembly. It received 167 votes, far more than the 97 votes needed in the secret ballot. The Obama administration announced in March that it would be seeking to join the Human Rights Council as part of a broader strategy to create a "new era of engagement" with the rest of the world. Previously, the US government had accused the council of being hijacked by countries with a strong bias against Israel, and had criticised it for its failure to condemn perceived human rights violations by the Sudanese government in Darfur.The "new era of engagement" refers to Obama's campaign against Israel.
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