A Critic on US Support for UN

Here is my post as a guest blogger on the United Nations' Association's "People Speak" Blog for today:

Lack of U.S. support is a serious handicap

Guest blogger:Scott Lyons, member, UNA-NCA Human Rights Task Force. When President Bush addresses the General Assembly of the United Nations this morning at a time of global uncertainty on issues of Sudan, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Middle East, the U.S. will attempt to rally help from international institutions and foreign alliances to resolve these complex situations, especially the situation in Darfur. The U.S. seeks support from around the world. However, the U.S. withheld support from the UN Human Rights Council, the newest international institution, and there is the question as to how much this lack of support handicaps the Council’s opportunities for success. The U.S. was actively involved in the negotiations to shape the Human Rights Council, even though the U.S. often took positions at odds with much of the world. In the end, the U.S. withheld support, citing manifold deficiencies and argued that the reforms were insufficient. The U.S. was one of only four countries to vote against the formation of the Council. Later, the U.S. chose to not stand for election to the Council, arguing that it was taking a wait and see position. It has been convincingly argued that the U.S. decision to vote against the Council was shortsighted, since the U.S. could have abstained (as did three other countries) and lodged reservations while saying that the Human Rights Council is important. Can the Human Rights Council have a full impact without the U.S. support? The U.S. has said it will work with other countries to promote human rights and considers itself a leader on the topic. However, its lack of involvement and leadership in this forum could keep the Council from being as effective as it should or could be.