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HRC Positions Should Go to Officials Who Have a Genuine Commitment to Protecting Human Rights
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June 25, 2010

Statement by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe
U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council

The United States was extremely disappointed that the Latin American and Caribbean regional group put forward the single name of Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann to fill its vacant seat on the HRC advisory committee on June 18.  (The vacancy arose upon the untimely death of one of the group’s representatives.)  The position was filled without consultation with members from other regions.  D’Escoto Brockmann’s views on human rights issues are dramatically at odds with the views of the United States.  We would also note that the Advisory Committee has no decision-making authority in the Council. We regret that some individuals selected for such positions, including Mr. D’Escoto Brockmann, have failed to show a genuine commitment to the promotion of and respect for human rights.  Notwithstanding, we will work to ensure that the influence of Mr. D’Escoto Brockmann on the 18-person body is limited.