The U.S. has decided not to participate in a major United Nations review of its human rights record, dropping a bombshell ahead of the November 6 session. The move marks the first time Washington has withdrawn from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)—a process likened to peer pressure on a global scale—since its launch in 2008. 🚨
UN officials confirmed the decision Thursday, with spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani calling it a "regrettable" step back from a system where all 193 member states, including the U.S., have previously engaged. "This is about countries learning from each other," she emphasized, adding that dialogue with American stakeholders will continue. 🤝
The UPR, now in its fourth cycle, lets nations swap feedback on policies ranging from racial justice to free speech. While the U.S. underwent reviews in 2010, 2015, and 2020, its absence this year raises eyebrows amid ongoing debates about police reform, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights domestically. 🏛️✨
Experts say the withdrawal could dent America’s credibility in advocating for human rights abroad. As global tensions rise, will this decision fuel critiques of "double standards"? Stay tuned as the world reacts. 🌐⚖️
