Consensus position with strong statement
delivered by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe
UN Human Rights Coucil – 15th Session
Geneva, October 1, 2010
The United States shares the grave concerns raised regarding kidnapping for ransom by terrorists, abhors such actions, unequivocally condemns impunity for hostage-takers, and firmly supports efforts to end the practice of ransom payments since these payments directly support terrorists as noted in UNSCR 1904;
However, while the United States is not calling for a vote on this resolution, I have to make clear that the United States does not consider the Human Rights Council to be the appropriate forum for such counterterrorism issues. We are strongly committed to pursuing further discussion of this issue in the 1267 Committee at the UNSC and other suitable UN venues.
We do believe this issue is of critical importance in our mutual fight against terrorists and their access to sources of financing and we will continue to engage in constructive efforts to end these actions;
Finally, the United States regrets the lack of time available for careful and appropriate deliberation of the proposed resolution and notes that the final text could have been improved with further consultation.
Thank you, Mr. President.