United States skips UN human rights review as global concern grows

Geneva: The United States has decided not to take part in the United Nations Human Rights Council’s regular review of its human rights record, drawing widespread concern from other countries and human rights organizations.

The review, known as the Universal Periodic Review, is a key process through which all UN member nations report on their human rights situation and receive recommendations from others. The United States informed the council in Geneva that it would not attend its scheduled session this year, saying the UN body needs major reforms and has become politically biased.

Several countries at the meeting expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision and appealed for Washington to return to the process next year. Diplomats noted that the absence of a major power like the Unit