Statement by the Delegation of the United States
Delivered by Courtney Musser
Geneva, September 25, 2009
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States commends Vanuatu for its constructive engagement with the universal periodic review process. We are cognizant of the fact that Vanuatu is a small, developing island state with no permanent representation in Geneva and of the difficulties this can pose in presenting a report at the HRC.
We note that accountability and transparency in Vanuatu’s public sector remains an area of concern, and note the continuing problem of corruption. We appreciate the efforts by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Auditor General’s Office to investigate corruption in the public sector, but more resources should be provided to these offices to allow for more vigorous investigations.
We commend the government of Vanuatu for its renovation of detention centers to meet international standards. The government of Vanuatu should also be commended for the passage of the Family Protection Act which aims to prevent and punish abuses against women.
Thank you, Mr. President.