US to Become First Country to Fully Skip UN Human Rights Council Review

The United States will become the first nation to fully opt out of participating in the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The review, originally due to take place in November 2025 but delayed until 10th November 2026, the process could not go ahead after the US government refused to send any delegation. The Trump administration has raised concerns over the legitimacy of the council, claiming it is biased against the US and Israel.

What is the Universal Periodic Review?

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a Human Rights process set up by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2006. It aims to review the Human Rights of all 193 UN member nations every 4-5 years.

It enables countries to submit information regarding their Human Rights, answer questions from other governments, and take on board recommendations. All UN member states should be reviewed equally.

Why is the US Opting Out?

The Trump administration has opted out of taking part in the review, claiming the UN Human Rights Council does not abide by its values.

In 2025, the US pulled out of the Human Rights Council, claiming they are biased against America and Israel. A spokesperson from the State Department also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the organization, criticizing the lack of condemnation of serious Human Rights violations.

The review was originally due to take place in November 2025 however, after the US failed to turn up it was delayed until 10th November 2026 in the hopes the US may change their minds. However, they have still opted out.

How Does the UPR Work?

The UPR is a state-led process where all UN member nations will have their Human Rights reviewed by other member nations.

Key aspects include,

• Regular review: All member nations of the UN will be reviewed every 4-5 years.
• Submission of information: Countries will submit information regarding Human Rights within their country.
• Questioning & Recommendations: Other countries will ask questions and make recommendations during interactive dialogue.
• Implementation: The reviewed country should take on board recommendations and report on what actions they have taken.

The UPR uses three key sources of information. This includes information from the country itself, information from the UN, including reports from treaty bodies and special procedures and information from other stakeholders, including national Human Rights institutions and civil society organizations.

What Happens if They Don’t Take Part?

As the UPR is carried out by the UN Human Rights Council, the country must take part. As no representatives from the US took part, the review could not go ahead.

This has caused concern amongst Human Rights organizations and civil society. Critics claim this could undermine the concept of universal accountability and encourage other countries to not take part.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has called for an update from the UN Human Rights chief regarding Human Rights in the US in early 2027.

What is the UN Human Rights Council?

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental organization whose role is to promote and protect Human Rights globally.

• Organisation: United Nations
• Name: United Nations Human Rights Council
• Founded: 15th March 2006
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Parent: United Nations General Assembly
• Members: 47 countries
• Term Length: 3 years
• Role: Promote and protect Human Rights
• Key Mechanism: Universal Periodic Review

The UHRC replaced the old UN Commission on Human Rights in 2006. The council consists of 47 members who are elected by the UN General Assembly in a secret ballot.