US Mission Geneva

The United States would like to commend Jordan for the steps it has taken to promote universal human rights and human welfare, such as its efforts regarding human trafficking, curriculum reforms, training programs, and awareness campaigns. Along with other delegations, we hope these initiatives will continue and expand.

The United States thanks Nigeria for its participation in the UPR process and welcomes Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen governmental protections for human rights through adoption of its National Action Plan on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. The United State joins other delegations in noting that torture and abuse of detainees by security forces, lengthy pre-trial detention and poor prison conditions are severe problems in Nigeria.

The 33rd Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting has been, in my view, a very productive three days. In plurilateral and bilateral meetings, I have discussed a number of trade issues important to the Cairns ministers and to the United States. As you can imagine, few issues have been more important in our talks than the Doha round of world trade talks, and the importance that all of us place on meaningful market openings for agriculture as we proceed.

The United States was pleased with the creation of the UN Experts Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through HRC resolution 6/36. This resolution established the Mechanism’s mandate so that it would provide its thematic expertise in the manner and form requested by the Council, focusing mainly on studies and research-based advice. At the same time, the Council resolution allowed for the Mechanism to receive suggestions from indigenous representatives on its possible work plan.

Thank you, Mr. President.
We are convinced that only together, as a community of nations, can we achieve a world in which all governments live up to their obligations to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. To do so, we must embrace robust and constructive discussion and debate on the human rights challenges of our time.

The United States looks forward to its tenure as a Member of the Human Rights Council. The U.S. is committed to being a strong advocate for those around the world who suffer from abuse and oppression, and to being a stalwart defender of courageous individuals across the globe who work, often at great personal risk, on behalf of the rights of others.

“Last year, the United Nations first proclaimed June 8 as World Oceans Day. This observance is a time to reflect on the importance of the world’s oceans to our planet’s health. World Oceans Day is also a timely reminder of the many pressures the oceans face. “

The U.S. sponsored a Panel discussion June 5 on the sidelines of the 11th Session of the Human Rights Council. The Panel entitled “In Pursuit of the Dream: Race and Tolerance in the United States in the 21t Century, was moderated by the President of the Human Rights Council Ambassador Uhomoibhi of Nigeria. The U.S. Participants were, Dr. Esther Brimmer, U.S Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs; Mr. Wade Henderson, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and Karen Stevens, Counsel to the Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights

The United States takes note of the reports of the independent expert on the effects of foreign debt and other international financial obligations on human rights and development as well as the report on extreme poverty and human rights. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on both. The United States has long recognized the potentially harmful effects that excessive debt burdens can have on development. Debt is not necessarily a negative thing–debt financed projects can enhance development and human rights. Through the G8 and the World Bank, the United States has been a leader in programs for debt forgiveness and those that provide assistance to developing nations without adding to their debt burden.