US Mission Geneva

We continue to examine ourselves, knowing that we still need to make progress in addressing discrimination and intolerance within our own country, and that it is only through hard work and careful scrutiny that we can push back against intolerance and discrimination both at home and around the world.

Civil society’s “essential role,” however, is under threat around the world. We see governments trying to silence the voices of civil society by making it harder for these groups to register and operate within their country. Others make it more difficult for these groups to get funding. Worse still, some governments use intimidation, persecution, and even violence to try to bully these groups into submission.

The goal of the United States remains a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. Ending the underlying conflict is vital to addressing the human rights issues in Israel and the Palestinian territories and forging a comprehensive peace.

Press Statement U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council March 16, 2012 U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council March 16, 2012 The adoption of a final group of country reports at the Human Rights Council today marks the completion of the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).  As [...]

U.S. strongly urges government to work on implementing UPR recommendations, including investigating all credible allegations related to 2008 elections.

We urge the Government of Venezuela to reconsider, investigate allegations of executive branch interference in judicial decision-making, and agree to fully implement these recommendations as a matter of priority. We also call on the government to direct officials to cease anti-Semitic commentary and condemn any such statements when they occur.

The Syrian government has only engaged in even more flagrant violations of international human rights law, and the blatant, willful disregard of the international community’s strong statements, including those made in this process.

We welcome the Libyan delegation’s attention to various recommendations that combat discrimination and enhance basic political rights for all Libyans, including women. Specifically, we commend Libya’s support for recommendations made by 15 countries regarding the promotion of women’s equal rights, including women’s full participation in economic, social, and public life without discrimination under the law.

Our robust system of laws recognizes that the promotion and protection of civil rights, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity are fundamental to ensuring universal respect for human rights.