Archive · 7 Nov 2025
US Skips UN Human Rights Review, Drawing Criticism
Imagine all the countries in the world getting together at the United Nations to talk about how they treat people fairly.
This is called a human rights review.
It's supposed to happen regularly for every country.
But this past Friday, when it was time for the United States to have its turn, the US team didn't show up.
The person in charge of the meeting said the US delegation was not present.
This made some people very upset, including people from the US and other countries.
They said it was disrespectful to the UN and that maybe the US was scared of what the review would say.
Because the US didn't come, the UN decided they won't have the review now and will try again in a few years.
The US had already said they would not participate in this meeting.
The United States did not attend its scheduled UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of its human rights record on Friday.
This marks the second time a UN member state has boycotted this regular review process.
UN officials, China, and Cuba criticized the US absence, with some calling it disrespectful and indicative of fear.
The UN Council decided to reschedule the US review for late 2026.
The US had previously announced its intention to boycott the review process.
- Who
- The United States
- What
- Failed to attend its scheduled UN Human Rights Universal Periodic Review.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Geneva
- Why
- The US had announced its boycott in August. Critics suggest it is a sign of disrespect and fear of the review's outcome, while China and Cuba condemned the absence.
Critics of US Absence
US Stance
Participation in UN Human Rights Review
Critics of US Absence
The United States' absence is a boycott of a mandatory UN process and a sign of disrespect for the UPR mechanism. Critics, including local US officials and rights groups, expressed anger and concern, with some suggesting the US government is afraid of the review's outcome. China's representative decried the lack of respect, and Cuba's representative accused the US of seeking to undermine the Human Rights Council and the UN system.
US Stance
The United States had announced in August its intention to boycott the UPR process. While specific reasons for Friday's absence were not detailed in the article, the US has previously expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the UN Human Rights Council.
- Event
- UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United States' human rights record
- Date
- Friday
- Location
- Geneva
- U.S. Action
- Failed to attend the scheduled review session.
- UN Response
- Noted the US absence, adopted a decision on non-cooperation, and rescheduled the review for late 2026.
- Precedent
- The US is only the second country, after Israel (which eventually underwent a postponed review), to boycott the UPR.
