In first such initiative, Israel joins with Bahrain, UAE and Morocco for statement at meeting of international body's Human Rights Council in Geneva

Envoy Nasir Ahmad Andisha tells Human Rights Council that 'humanitarian crises are unfolding in the country' while 'women's voices are disappearing from the landscape'

Navi Pillay tapped by body's current leader to chair unprecedented commission of inquiry into 'root causes' of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

UNHRC condemns systematic racism 'against Africans and people of African descent,' establishes mechanism to examine criminal justice systems around the world

Figures climbed by 3 million during 2020, to a record-breaking 82 million total; UNHCR chief says factors that caused people to flee continued during pandemic

Body votes for permanent inquiry on alleged violations; Netanyahu pans 'shameful decision,' says council has 'anti-Israel obsession'; envoy Erdan calls it 'appalling, antisemitic'

Proposal comes ahead of rights council session on 'grave human rights situation' in Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem; no commission of inquiry has ever received a continuing mandate

Draft text backed by Organization of Islamic Cooperation calls for investigation into alleged crimes in Gaza and Jerusalem as well as 'underlying discrimination and repression'

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi thanks states that did 'not lend a hand to this circus'; four motions condemning Israel adopted with support from European powers

France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy join majority in support of UNHRC motion criticizing the Jewish state; Bahrain absent from vote