US Boycotts UN Human Rights Review for Second Consecutive Time

GENEVA: The United States has once again boycotted a United Nations review of its human rights record, marking a significant departure from the norm as all 193 UN member states typically participate in this process. The absence of US representatives was evident at the UN’s European headquarters during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) held on Tuesday.

As the review commenced, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, president of the UN Human Rights Council, acknowledged the empty seats designated for the US delegation, stating, “the delegation of the United States is not present in the room.” This absence follows a decision made by President Donald Trump’s administration, which ceased cooperation with the rights council shortly after his inauguration in January 2025, having previously boycotted the UPR last November.

The US State Department has characterized the council as an “irredeemable body” that “makes a mockery of human rights,” indicating a continued reluctance to engage with the UN on this front. This ongoing boycott raises concerns about the implications for international human rights standards and the US’s role in global human rights advocacy.

Looking ahead, the UN Human Rights Council may need to reassess its strategies to encourage US participation, especially as the next UPR cycle approaches. The international community will be watching closely to see if the US will reconsider its stance or if this trend of disengagement will persist.