US Mission Geneva

Secretary Clinton: The United States welcomes today’s action by the UN Human Rights Council to further the international community’s efforts to combat religious intolerance. The consensus resolution adopted by the Council today represents a significant step forward in the global dialogue on countering intolerance, discrimination, and violence against persons based upon religion or belief. We appreciate the leadership shown by the Organization of the Islamic Conference and member states on today’s landmark achievement.

It’s important that the international community speak strongly to condemn the human rights practices in Iran, and we have done that today. We have also very importantly spoken in solidarity with the human rights defenders in Iran, the women activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and those who have been imprisoned, so that they know the international community is paying attention and cares greatly about their work and we are supporting them.

The United States supports the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and encourages all states to engage cooperatively with the Working Group as it undertakes activities in fulfillment of its mandate.

The Human Rights Council voted March 24 to establish a special rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran. Speaking before the vote, Ambassador Donahoe noted that this was the first new country mandate established since the creation of the Human Rights Council in 2006 and said it sent a signal to the victims of abuses in Iran that the world has not forgotten them.

On this World Tuberculosis Day, the United States reaffirms its commitment to fighting this deadly disease. We are supporting programs that are saving lives and fostering a more secure world. We are the first and largest contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

Ambassador Betty King attends Fleet Forum Conference in Geneva to underline U.S. commitment to the critical delivery of humanitarian assistance in a safe, economically efficient and environmentally responsible way.

President Obama believes that advancing the human rights of minorities and the marginalized is a fundamental American value. The President was pleased to announce during his trip to Brazil that he and President Rousseff agreed to promote respect for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals through the establishment of a special rapporteur on LGBT issues at the Organization of American States. This special rapporteur will be the first of its kind in the international system.

The United States is committed to promoting access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Yesterday, at the World Bank, Secretary Clinton highlighted the dire situation and the need for action

The United States strongly supports that the paramount consideration in the employment of staff is securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.