Human Rights Council

Ambassador Kelly Craft, Washington's permanent representative to the United Nations, called for reforms to the Human Rights Council—to which China was elected in October.

The case of double standards against the Jews and the Jewish state is but one example of the failure of the international community to ensure consistent application of equal rights and laws for all.

The council's coming membership changes provide a timely backdrop for a possible change in direction from Washington.

The Human Rights Council reserves a spot on its agenda to condemn the Jewish state—the sole country-specific item—whereas human rights issues in the entire rest of the world are shoved into one solitary agenda item.

Venezuela narrowly beat out Costa Rica for a seat on the U.N. council, just a month after the same body launched an investigation into human rights violations in the country.

In a vote on Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted to investigate Venezuela for human right violations under President Nicolás Maduro's rule.

Russia's U.N. envoy said "the atmosphere at the council has become much more constructive" with the U.S. gone.

Moscow said the body is meant to serve all U.N. members, not just the U.S.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz accused the EU of "sucking up to Iran" and said the organization "doesn't really represent European nations."

North Korea is a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Palestinian militias.

The guardianship system not only restricts women but hampers Saudi Arabia on the world stage.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has used its position to "obstruct justice for possible war crimes."

The elections come weeks after Saudi Arabia was appointed head of a human rights panel.