Global Rights condemns US withdrawal from UNHRC and WHO

By Henry Uche

Global Rights has called on the government of the United States to rethink its deeply troubling decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and its withdrawal of funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Global Rights reminded the United States that, as a leader of the free world, America’s exit from these global governance systems that it has championed for decades suggests its willingness to abdicate its leadership position in global politics and renege on its promises to defend human rights, human security, and the rule of law.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, the rights advocate said the US’s retreat from global human rights leadership at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises that demand principled engagement and unwavering commitment to the protection of fundamental freedoms is not only irresponsible but cowardly.

“Retreating from the UNHRC at this critical juncture conveys a perilous message that human rights are negotiable or susceptible to changing political circumstances. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the world is witnessing unprecedented levels of human rights violations, mass displacement, and loss of lives.

“The recent rise in pandemics is also a major threat to human security across the world. The US must acknowledge the interconnectedness of states and the potential consequences of its withdrawal from the human rights ecosystem, not just for the rest of the world but also for its own citizens.”

The group added that while it acknowledges the change in administration in the United States, it strongly asserts that human rights should never be a partisan issue. Global Rights maintained that human rights are neither Republican nor Democratic principles but universal values that transcend political affiliations.

“This withdrawal weakens global human rights advocacy and emboldens authoritarian regimes and bad faith actors, who will interpret it as tacit approval of their repressive tactics—leading to further suppression, violence, and loss of lives.

“It is our considered advice that the US government take the noble path, backtrack on these ill-conceived decisions, and reaffirm its commitment to the global human rights system. While the United States is on hiatus, we call on other nations, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to reaffirm their own leadership and commitment to upholding and defending human rights and democracy across the world.

“We cannot afford vacuums in human rights or in the global health systems! Now more than ever, the international community must strengthen multilateral engagements to protect the rights, health, and dignity of people worldwide.”

Global Rights reaffirmed its commitment to remain steadfast in its mission to promote and defend human rights and would continue to advocate for accountability, justice, and the rule of law in all corners of the world.

“We reiterate that the United States’ sudden withdrawal from these bodies is a cruel act of violence, a disdain of global peace and solidarity. It is not too late to do the right thing,” the statement asseverated.