Geneva: The United States is facing its first review in five years at the UN's main human rights body, with the detentions of migrant children and the killings of unarmed Black people during the Trump administration's tenure among issues high on minds.
Foes from countries like Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Russia and China were among those seeking to question and scrutinize the United States as the Human Rights Council gave the US its turn Monday in a regular examination of every UN member state's record on human rights known as the Universal Periodic ReviewZ.
Nearly 120 countries lined up for slots to raise questions in the 3.5-hour session that follows up on an August report about the US rights record over the past several years and what steps US authorities are taking to improve it.
US Ambassador Andrew Bremberg said the strength of the US democratic system is that it allows for continued scrutiny, advocacy and debate, which fuels progress and reform, and said we are willing to openly acknowledge our shortcomings.
As we witness a time of unprecedented degradation of human rights by authoritarian governments around the world, it is more important than ever to stand up to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we do so by demonstrating we welcome transparency and constructive criticism," Bremberg said in opening remarks.
