New UN Human Rights Council Is Born

Today, in what was catalouged a "historic" vote, the General Assembly of the United Nations gave birth to the new UN Human Rights Council. This new Council was an attempt to increase not only the UN's credibility, but also that of the Human Rights Council which would in turn (hopefully) lead to more efficient and co-operative protection of human rights around the world.

Among the changes in the council, is a tighter agenda were members would meet more often to follow up on human rights issues and violations around the world, including those of its members. This is also a new change that will allow the council to be filled by those countries who are actually committed to human rights and do not have large negative blotches on their record. Furthermore, there will also be an attempt to have more of the geographic regions of the world represented in the council.

Of course, though there was applause from 170 countries after the resolution was passed, there was always someone there to "spoil" the party. Among those countries who voted against the resolution were Israel and our northern neighbour, the United States. Venezuela, another doubtful partner in human rights, abstained.

I don't know exactly why the United States would vote against such a measure, considering the fact that Mr. Bolton's objectives were actually to make sure the UN reformed and that's exactly what's happening. I reckon perhaps it'll be another dark mark for George W. Bush and his administration's lack of respect for human rights and international covenants.

Tags: Current events, International, In the News, News and Politics, UN, Human Rights