New York, NY, November 20, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's vote and comments opposing a resolution establishing the procedure for the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the United Nations.  In explaining his "No" vote, Ambassador Khalilzad cited the HRC's shortcomings, including its "relentless focus during the year on a single country – Israel."

Ambassadors from four other countries – Australia, Canada, Israel and the Pacific island nation of Palau - also voted against the HRC Institution Building Package, in the United Nation's Third Committee of the General Assembly, which is responsible for the U.N.'s social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

ADL praised their countries' leadership, and said the Council demonstrated a biased approach in singling out Israel.

"The Human Rights Council has showed a proclivity towards criticizing Israel, while ignoring flagrant violations perpetrated by other countries," said Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, in letters to the ambassadors.  "It is a sad reality that the Council has proven itself to be as highly politicized, and as poor a protector of international human rights, as its discredited predecessor, the Human Rights Commission.

"The Human Rights Council will only succeed in its mission if responsible members of the United Nations hold it responsible for its deficiencies."

The League previously expressed opposition to the Council for its adoption of Israel as the lone country on its permanent agenda.

In addition to his criticism of the Council for unfairly singling out Israel, Ambassador Khalilzad also cited the Council's failure "to address serious human rights violations taking place in other countries such as Zimbabwe, North Korea, Iran, Belarus and Cuba."  Ambassador Khalilzad also expressed his hope that the HRC "will stand in solidarity with the victims of human rights violations around the world, not the perpetrators."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.