Rep. Greg Steube Introduces The UN Human Rights Council Reform Act
WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) alongside Representatives Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX) yesterday introduced H.R. 7224 The UN Human Rights Council Reform Act to immediately address the biases and unfair treatment of our ally, Israel, in matters and decisions of the UN Human Rights Council.
“The UN Human Rights Council has a clear record of sowing division between Israel and Palestine, while simultaneously turning a blind eye to some of the worst human rights violations of our time. President Trump removed the U.S. from the council because he knew sitting at a table with China, Venezuela, Cuba, and Russia couldn’t possibly protect human rights around the world. Since President Biden has insisted on rejoining this council, we must guarantee reforms to advance the intended mission of the council and protect our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, from the council’s history of bias. My legislation takes those steps,” said Congressman Greg Steube.
The bill takes several actions to reform the council and prevent Israel from being unfairly targeted on the world stage.
-The United States shall not make any voluntary or assessed contributions to current and future Commissions of Inquiries that relate to Israel mandated by the UN Human Rights Council.
– United States shall use its voice, vote, and influence in the Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly to do the following, and the State Department shall report to Congress on actions taken to:
- Eliminate Agenda Item 7 of the UN Human Rights Council, which addresses the Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.
- Eliminate secret-ballot elections for membership to UN Human Rights Council
- Institute baseline criteria for membership at the Human Rights Council
– Prior to the start of each session of the Human Rights Council, the Department of State shall brief Congress on The Council’s session agenda and program of work.
– The Department of State shall report to Congress, on an annual basis, on all votes related to Israel and Palestinian territories taken by the Council.
The Republican Study Committee (RSC) supports this legislation.
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