Trump’s Return: A Setback for the U.N. Human Rights Council

As Donald Trump prepares for a possible return to the U.S. presidency, the implications for international human rights governance, particularly within the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC), are cause for serious concern. Trump’s first term was marked by sharp criticisms of international human rights bodies, and a second term could exacerbate global human rights challenges by further undermining the credibility and effectiveness of the U.N. system. His potential policies and approach toward multilateral institutions pose a significant risk not only to the United States’ role in shaping global human rights standards but also to the marginalized groups who rely on international advocacy for protection and accountability.

A History of Dismantling Human Rights Commitments

During Trump’s first term, the United States took a controversial stance against various U.N. entities, including the Human Rights Council. In 2018, the Trump administration announced its decision to withdraw from the HRC, accusing the body of bias, particularly in its scrutiny of Israel and its failure to address human rights abuses in countries such as Venezuela and North Korea. This withdrawal was widely seen as part of Trump’s broader “America First” foreign policy, which sought to prioritize national interests over multilateral engagements.

Critics of this move argue that by disengaging from the HRC, the U.S. effectively abdicated its leadership role in promoting human rights, leaving a vacuum that has allowed authoritarian regimes to gain more influence within the Council. The absence of the U.S. from this critical platform has not only diminished the effectiveness of the body but also sent a dangerous message to autocratic governments that the pursuit of human rights would no longer be a central tenet of U.S. foreign policy.

The Human Rights Council and Saudi Arabia’s Increasing Influence

A specific area of concern is how Trump’s return could embolden countries with poor human rights records, such as Saudi Arabia, to further solidify their influence in international human rights institutions. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Saudi Arabia has faced intense international criticism for its human rights abuses, including the repression of free speech, the targeting of women’s rights activists, the use of the death penalty, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Despite these concerns, the kingdom has managed to increase its diplomatic leverage, partly through financial investments in global institutions and sports diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia’s ability to exert influence within the U.N. system—particularly the Human Rights Council—was evident when it was elected to a three-year term on the HRC in 2013, despite widespread condemnation of its record. The U.S. withdrawal from the Council under Trump’s first term allowed countries like Saudi Arabia to advance their interests without significant pushback from the West, especially in critical human rights discussions. In the absence of U.S. leadership, Saudi Arabia and other authoritarian regimes have been able to reshape narratives, undermining calls for greater accountability and human rights protections.

The Risk of “Human Rights Abandonment” under a Trump Administration

If Trump returns to power, the risk of further diminishing the U.S.’s commitment to human rights becomes even more likely. There is a growing concern that Trump’s second term would prioritize geopolitical interests over universal human rights principles. This could manifest in several ways:

1. Cutting U.S. Support for Human Rights Institutions: As in his first term, Trump could again reduce U.S. funding for key human rights initiatives, particularly those tied to U.N. bodies like the HRC, which relies heavily on U.S. contributions to support its work in monitoring human rights abuses and providing assistance to victims globally.

2. Reduced Advocacy for Global Accountability: The Trump administration’s approach to human rights in the first term often reflected a transactional mindset. For instance, in dealing with countries like Saudi Arabia, Trump emphasized security and economic ties, often overlooking their human rights abuses in exchange for strategic cooperation. This focus on “peace through strength” might lead to a further weakening of international human rights norms, especially in countries with authoritarian leadership.

3. Reinforcing Autocratic Alliances: Trump’s foreign policy has often aligned with autocratic regimes, including Saudi Arabia, in the interest of trade and security. This transactional approach has led to a de-prioritization of human rights in U.S. diplomacy. If he returns to the presidency, the already fragile international consensus on human rights may erode further, with the U.S. choosing to prioritize stability and economic partnerships over the protection of individual freedoms.

The Role of the U.N. Human Rights Council Moving Forward

Despite the growing concerns, the U.N. Human Rights Council remains an important forum for addressing global human rights abuses. Even without the active participation of the United States, other countries and civil society organizations continue to push for greater accountability and reforms in human rights practices. However, the absence of U.S. leadership within the Council would undoubtedly weaken its efforts, as it has in the past.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic approach to the U.N. and its human rights record highlights the complexities of global governance in the 21st century. While the kingdom has used its financial power and geopolitical leverage to advance its interests, it remains deeply entrenched in human rights abuses. The possibility of Trump’s return to power further complicates this landscape, as it could embolden autocratic regimes like Saudi Arabia to continue manipulating global institutions to shield themselves from scrutiny.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Global Human Rights

The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House poses a serious threat to the global human rights framework, particularly within the U.N. Human Rights Council. His first term demonstrated a willingness to turn a blind eye to human rights violations in favor of political and economic considerations, and his second term could herald a more aggressive disengagement from international human rights mechanisms. As the U.S. retreats from its traditional role as a human rights advocate, the world risks seeing a further rise in authoritarian influence, with Saudi Arabia and similar regimes taking advantage of the power vacuum. For those advocating for global human rights, it is essential to prepare for the challenges that a Trump presidency could bring, while also ensuring that international institutions like the U.N. continue to hold governments accountable for their actions, regardless of their geopolitical standing.