US Mission Geneva

The United States recognizes the measures taken by Lebanon to improve its human rights situation. The creation of a draft law to protect women from domestic violence, efforts to amend the criminal code to conform with the Convention Against Torture, and the intended establishment of an independent National Human Rights Institute in accordance with the Paris Principles, are welcome developments awaiting fruition

At a time when the United States has its first African-American President and Attorney General, a female Secretary of State, our first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, an Arab-American and two Asian-American cabinet members, we see visible progress in our national quest for equality and fair treatment.

We’ve had some intensive activity in Sudan in the last 48 hours following up on work that’s been done over several months, but focused in particular on the President’s meeting with the Sudanese leaders on the margins of the UN in September. But today, or the last day or two, Senator Kerry has been in the region and has been reinforcing a message to the parties on behalf of the President.

International migration policy concerns the array of national practices that apply to the treatment of citizens and non-citizens who cross borders, and constitutes the effort, by the United States and others, to share best practices and develop common principles, approaches and initiatives toward these populations.

BRIMMER: We have just completed a serious interactive discussion with delegations from around the world on the human rights in the United States. We have just witnessed a useful demonstration of freedom of speech. The overall tone was respectful, with many delegations noting our country’s many contributions to the promotion of human rights and values worldwide. There were critical comments and sharp questions as well, but we took opportunities all morning to explain our system, our laws and our policies, and to reflect on ongoing challenges.

Brimmer: The United States is honored to present our first Universal Periodic Review report to the United Nations Human Rights Council. It is my pleasure to introduce our delegation, which is comprised of senior officials from eleven U.S. departments and agencies, a representative of our local authorities, and two advisers from civil society groups. Their participation reflects the depth of our commitment to human rights at home, which spans the federal government as well as state, local, and tribal governments across our country, and which is complemented by the deep commitment from President Obama and Secretary Clinton to multilateral engagement, human rights, and the rule of law.

The National Report of the United States in Brochure Format (PDF File).

The United States is honored to present our first Universal Periodic Review report to the United Nations Human Rights Council. It is my pleasure to introduce our delegation, which is comprised of senior officials from eleven U.S. departments and agencies, a representative of our local authorities, and two advisers from civil society groups.

With the end of a long and bitter civil war, Sri Lanka is confronted with the opportunity to boost economic development and provide increased economic opportunities for citizens across the island. The end of this conflict opens new hope and opportunity for prosperity to regain its foothold in your nation and for your country to achieve its economic development aspirations.