In a 2006 high-level bipartisan statement, we wrote, “America needs the United Nations to help make our world more secure and peaceful,” in opposition to those calling for a suspension of U.S. dues payments. In another bipartisan statement last November, we reiterated that the UN cannot succeed without strong U.S. leadership and support, and noted that President Obama “has a unique opportunity to revitalize the U.S.-UN relationship as a symbol of America’s commitment to constructive international cooperation.”

The Obama Administration has taken an important step toward revitalizing the U.S.-UN relationship by announcing its decision to seek a seat on the UN Human Rights Council in the May 2009 UN General Assembly elections. Though the Council is not without serious flaws, the U.S. will have a far better chance of leading reform efforts if we have a seat at the table than if we continue to boycott the institution. The decision to seek this seat demonstrates the Obama Administration’s commitment not only to the United Nations as a core institution of international security and the rule of law, but to multilateral engagement in the ongoing effort to improve global human rights standards.

A U.S. presence on the Human Rights Council will allow the U.S. to influence it from within while providing the strong leadership and international support necessary to succeed in the effort to hold human rights violators accountable. We commend the Obama administration’s desire for a renewed relationship with the UN and for its commitment to lead a bipartisan U.S. and international effort to combat human rights abuses across the globe.

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