Slovenia, the Member State holding the Presidency of the Human Rights Council, regrets the withdrawal and points out that unilateral sanctions may lead to a downfall. »Despite this decision, we believe and expect that the U.S will, with their conduct, assertion, promotion, and protection of human rights, remain involved in the international community and contribute to the United Nations Human Rights Council and to its assertion of their fundamental principles,« wrote The Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also added that Slovenia advocates the efficient functioning of the Council and its contribution to the strengthening of the role of human rights in the world. Slovenia remains committed that all member states' decisions are taken unanimously.

The decision of the U.S. is bad news
Slovenian President Borut Pahor said, during the regular session of the Council in Geneva, that the decision of the U.S. is »bad news for the Council, for the UN, for the U.S. and for everybody who cares about human rights«. The United Nations Human Rights Council will get a lot weaker without the U.S., and the U.S.'s efforts for promoting human rights around the world will get weaker as well. He also emphasized that human rights can be successfully promoted if they work together. Collaboration is important for the improvement of the UN council's work and the members need to work together in a good faith and in full respect for human dignity. »Each member state, including Slovenia, should always fulfill their obligations and maintain the highest standards when it comes to human rights, also with the support and enforcement of international law and the decision of international courts,« said Pahor. »The rule of law is a foundation of protection of human rights,« he added.

Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley announced the U.S.’s departure from the UN Human Rights Council. As the reason for this decision, she lists the matter of chronic bias against Israel and the fact that many human rights abusers are gaining human rights council membership. Haley also added that their commitment towards human right does not allow them to remain a part of “a hypocritical organization that makes a mockery of human rights”, however, she allows a chance of the U.S. coming back when the Council achieves the essential reforms. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that there is no doubt that the council once had a “noble vision”, however, nowadays they are “a poor defender of human rights”.