US Mission Geneva

Transcript of press briefing with Secretary of State Clinton and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani following their meeting.

The Obama administration expressed support for the Arab League’s decision to increase its number of monitors in Syria and to extend its observer mission, but joined the organization in saying that the Syrian government has still failed to meet its commitments to stop the violence.

The Fourth Periodic Report of the United States of America to the United Nations Committee on Human Rights concerning the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is now available.

“During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we stand with all those who are held in compelled service; we recognize the people, organizations, and government entities that are working to combat human trafficking; and we recommit to bringing an end to this inexcusable human rights abuse.”

The Importance of a Free Internet to the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights

We condemn the Syrian military’s escalation of violence in Homs, Daraa and other cities prior to the deployment of the Arab League monitors. We have seen horrific pictures of indiscriminate fire, including by heavy tank guns, and heard reports of dozens of deaths, thousands of arrests, as well as beatings of peaceful protestors.

As the United States launches a new national action plan to advance women’s participation in making and keeping peace worldwide, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton decries recent violence against women in Egypt.

Today we remember the one year anniversary of the start of the brutal crackdown by the Belarus Government on civil society, political opposition and independent media.

Secretary Clinton will kick off the conference with keynote remarks on December 8, and Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Michael Posner will lead the U.S. Government delegation on December 9.