Human Rights Council

Reports of Working Group on Arbitrary Detention,
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief
Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
 
Statement delivered by Velia De Pirro,
U.S. Mission Political Counselor

Geneva
Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Thank you, Mr. President and all three presenters.

We commend the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for commenting on the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and on diplomatic assurances.

As we have stated before, we firmly disagree with the suggestion that persons held at Guantanamo Bay are being detained arbitrarily or unlawfully.  That said, we would like to move toward the day when we can close Guantanamo.  It is incumbent upon the international community to assist us in accepting back their nationals, and on occasion third-country nationals, who are eligible for transfer or release.

We also disagree with the Working Group on the issue of renditions.  Renditions are an established and permissible way for states to ensure that dangerous terrorists do not remain at large but may only be used when important conditions are met, including that returnees will not be subjected to torture. 

We welcome Ms. Jahangir’s focus on troubling trends of discrimination against religious minorities and new religious movements.  We also welcome her emphasis on the Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion of Belief.  In your view, Ms. Jahangir, does the promulgation of blasphemy law run counter to religious freedom?

Finally, it is appropriate that Ms. Jahangir and Mr. Ligabo both presented today because freedom of expression is fundamental to ensuring the right of freedom of religion. 

We welcome Mr. Ligabo’s focus on Internet freedom.  In particular, we oppose the efforts of non-democratic governments to restrict the rights of their citizens to participate in the online exchange of information, ideas and ideals, and to imprison individuals simply for expressing their peaceful views online. Mr. Ligabo, how can this Council help prevent threats to internet freedom?