The United Nations has moved to subject the Trump administration's proposed Obamacare replacement to a review by the U.N. Human Rights Council.
"Apparently repealing Obamacare could violate international law," the Washington Post's Dana Milbank wrote on Tuesday. Milbank cited a letter sent to the U.S. by Dainius Puras, who serves as the council's special rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (yes, that's his actual title).
Puras alleges that the repeal of Obamacare could lead to Americans losing their health insurance and would therefore be a violation of U.S. treaty obligations. In particular, he points to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which "establishes everyone's right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being, including food, medical care, and necessary social services."
The letter demands the U.S. government explain how the planned legislation will safeguard health care and provide equal or greater levels of care.
"Your government's response will be made available in a report to be presented to the Human Rights Council for its consideration," Puras wrote.
The U.N. Human Rights Council is infamous for failing to live up to its name, granting seats to some of the worst human rights violators in the world. Among the current members are China, Cuba, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
The Trump administration is even reportedly considering pulling out of the council entirely. Before Trump, George W. Bush refused to join the council over its questionable membership, while Barack Obama pursued a policy of trying to moderate the body as a member.
Milbank, a liberal columnist, notes the letter is of "questionable legality" but cheered the move regardless.
"You don't have to care about international law to know that the essence of the OHCHR criticism is true: Taking away health coverage from millions without an adequate replacement is abject cruelty," he concluded.