US Mission Geneva

The United States welcomes the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya, for its insightful analysis of the overlapping mandates of the indigenous mechanisms in the United Nations system. My delegation joins others in applauding the initiative of all mechanisms to join in an informal dialogue to enhance coordination and cooperation and avoid duplication.

The U.S is deeply committed to the cause of making human rights a reality for millions of oppressed people around the world. Of particular concern to our Administration is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world’s unhealthy, unschooled, unfed, and unpaid. If half of the world’s population remains vulnerable to economic, political, legal, and social marginalization, our hope of advancing democracy and prosperity will remain in serious jeopardy.

SURVEILLANCE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE DSB
Mr. Chairman, the United States provided a status report in this dispute on September 14, 2009, in accordance with Article 21.6 of the DSU.

The United States is encouraged by the example set by many governments that have undertaken the Universal review process with the utmost respect, seriousness of purpose, and sincerity. However, we are concerned that some aspects of the current UPR procedures do not adequately allow for full participation by UN Member States.

The United States notes with concern that ethnic segregation in Macedonian schools is increasing. Although this was originally done to protect minority students from ethnically based violence, it tends to deepen the dividing lines between the different ethnicities, reinforce stereotypes, and nullify reconciliation efforts.

The United States commends Vanuatu for its constructive engagement with the universal periodic review process. We are cognizant of the fact that Vanuatu is a small, developing island state with no permanent representation in Geneva and of the difficulties this can pose in presenting a report at the HRC. We note that accountability and transparency in Vanuatu’s public sector remains an area of concern, and note the continuing problem of corruption.

The United States notes with concern that ethnic segregation in Macedonian schools is increasing. Although this was originally aimed at protecting minority students from ethnically based violence, it tends to deepen the dividing lines between the different ethnicities, reinforce stereotypes, and nullify reconciliation efforts.

We welcome the chance to comment on Afghanistan’s engagement with the UPR process, as seen in the report of the Working Group. The United States commends Afghanistan’s efforts to enhance the capacity of national human rights institutions, including the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. We also welcome the adoption of national strategies and policies to support human rights, including the Afghan National Development Strategy and the Transitional Justice Strategy and Action Plan on Peace, Justice and Reconstruction.

The United States welcomes the Government of Yemen’s efforts to address discrimination and violence against women. However, the United States notes the concern documented in the Working Group report by a number of delegations about attacks and threats against journalists, and the negative impact this has on freedom of expression in Yemen. The United States appreciates Yemen’s expressed commitment to take necessary measures to ensure full enjoyment of press freedom.