Statement of the United States of America
Delivered by Anna L. Chambers
Human Rights Council 13th Session, Geneva
March 23, 2010
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States appreciates the work of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. While we have no specific comments on the report before the Council—of the Working Group’s visit to Ecuador—we want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the Group’s visit to the United States in January of 2010.
We viewed their visit as an opportunity to learn from the members’ broad experience and to have an honest conversation about the successes and challenges of domestic integration and advancement of people of African descent in this country.
We appreciated the professionalism and approach of the Working Group members and wish to make special mention of our respect and gratitude for the work of Professor Rex Nettleford, who unfortunately passed away while he was on this official visit to the United States, one day before his 77th birthday. With his passing, Jamaica and the entire world lost an intellectual and creative genius. For those of us who had the honor to meet him, we were inspired by his passion, his intellect and his profound commitment towards the eradication of racial discrimination. We would like express our thank s for his work and for the work of the Working Group.
I thank you Mr. President.