United States Mission Geneva

The report stands as just one element of the U.S. effort to engage broadly and constructively with the UN and other international organizations. The review, which has featured an unprecedented level of consultation and engagement with civil society across the country, provides an opportunity to reflect on our human rights record and we hope will serve as an example for other countries on how to conduct a thorough, transparent, and credible UPR presentation.

Rwanda’s progress since the genocide of 1994 has been remarkable and is a testament to the people in facing and overcoming staggering challenges, a senior White House official says. But despite such progress and the recent re-election of President Paul Kagame, the United States remains concerned over recent events in Rwanda, Mike Hammer, a spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council, said in a White House statement August 13.

Here at the White House, we have a tradition of hosting iftars that goes back several years, just as we host Christmas parties and seders and Diwali celebrations. And these events celebrate the role of faith in the lives of the American people.

As the United States Ambassador to the Human Rights Council, I want to echo Secretary of State Clinton’s deep concern at the Iranian government’s conviction to 20 years of imprisonment of seven leaders of the Iranian Baha’i community.

As Secretary Clinton stated yesterday, “The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha’i community in Iran.” I call on my respected colleagues, fellow Ambassadors to the Human Rights Council, and others to join me in speaking out about Iran continuing to deny its citizens their civil rights and intimidating those Iranians who seek to hold their government accountable.

The United States is deeply concerned with the Iranian government’s continued persecution of Baha’is and other religious minority communities in Iran. This week, seven Baha’i leaders, who were incarcerated and held for nearly two years without due process, were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. The United States strongly condemns this sentencing as a violation of Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg recently addressed the importance of religious freedom in America after city officials rebuffed an effort to halt the building of a mosque and community center near the site of the 9/11 attacks in Manhattan. Mayor Bloomberg said the U.S. Constitution guarantees Americans religious freedoms and that “Muslims are as much a part of our City and our country as the people of any faith and they are as welcome to worship in Lower Manhattan as any other group.”

As is the case with Muslim communities around the world, Ramadan for Muslims in America is marked by fasting and charity. But while fasting is observed one month of the year, many Muslim Americans make charity and giving back to their communities year-round activities.

The United States is deeply concerned that Iran continues to deny its citizens their civil rights and intimidate and detain those Iranians who seek to hold their government accountable and stand up for the rights of their fellow citizens.

We remain troubled by the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who garnered international attention for her verdict of death by stoning. While the Iranian Government later stated she would not face execution by stoning, her fate is unclear.

Terror has no religion, and these acts are rejected by people all over the world, including by Muslims here in the United States. The Taliban’s cruelty is well-documented. Its members have assassinated tribal elders and thrown acid in the face of young girls.