By KUNA,
Geneva : Sources in Geneva have confirmed that the US has taken a decision to disengage entirely from the UN Human Rights Council.
According to the same sources, the United States briefed Friday European Union members in Geneva on its decision to end its participation in the council, and confirmed its intention to Human Rights Watch on June 6, 2008.
The United States was not a member of the Human Rights Council, but has participated as an observer at the council since its inception in 2006.
Human Rights Watch advocacy director in Geneva Juliette de Rivero commented on the withdrawal of the US participation by saying that the US decision to walk away from the Human Rights Council is counter-productive and short-sighted “Whatever the council’s problems, this decision is a victory for abusive states and a betrayal of those fighting for their rights worldwide,” she added.
Officials at the US mission in Geneva had no comment on the development.