Seoul: South Korea continues to support the U.N. Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) efforts to promote human rights, the foreign ministry said Wednesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said his country will quit the international body. Trump signed an executive order Tuesday (U.S. time) to withdraw the United States from the UNHRC, citing what he called bias against Israel, repeating the step he took during his first term in office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea reaffirmed its commitment to the UNHRC by expressing support for its global human rights initiatives. The ministry stated, "We express our support for the role and efforts of the U.N. Human Rights Council in protecting and promoting human rights globally." Further, the ministry emphasized South Korea's active participation in the council, particularly in discussions surrounding key international human rights issues, such as those concerning North Korea.
South Korea is currently serving as an elected member of the UNHRC for the 2024-27 term. In light of the U.S. withdrawal, South Korea's stance highlights its dedication to international human rights efforts and its willingness to engage in significant global discussions.
The executive order from Trump also included an extension of the halt in funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees and called for a review of international organizations, including UNESCO.