November 9, 2010
9th Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group
UPR Session for Micronesia
Statement by the Delegation of the United States
UN Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Delivered by John Mariz
– Check Against delivery –
Thank you Mr. President:
The United States warmly welcomes the Micronesian delegation to the UPR Working Group and congratulates the Federated States of Micronesia on the completion of its national report and presentation today. We have carefully reviewed the content of the report, and would like to raise the following questions and make the following recommendations.
The United States commends the Federated States of Micronesia for its long-standing commitment to human rights, and welcomes developments in environmental security, evidenced by the establishment of the National Climate Change Policy of 2009, as a further opportunity to strengthen the country’s livelihood, food security, and economic development. On the other hand, we are aware of the need to further develop non-discrimination laws on women and children, laws against domestic violence, and laws on trafficking in persons.
The United States remains concerned that women and girls continue to face discrimination and unequal access to health care, education, vocational training, employment and income generation opportunities, and suffer from forced marriages and inadequate protection against gender-based violence.
The United States further notes the Federated States of Micronesia remains without a law against trafficking in persons and has yet to accede to the 2000 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and the protocol to the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
• Does the Federated States of Micronesia plan to adopt legislation barring trafficking in persons?
• Does the Federated States of Micronesia plan to accede and ratify the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children?
The United States is concerned that FSM has not incorporated domestic violence offenses into its criminal laws. The United States is also concerned over the lack of protection for children in the justice system, including child labor, trafficking of children, and the lack of legal procedures for juvenile offenders.
Recommendations
Bearing in mind these concerns, the United States would like to make the following three recommendations:
1. The United States recommends the passage of a comprehensive anti-trafficking law applicable in FSM. Additionally, the United States recommends the prompt ratification of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and the protocol to the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
2. The United States also recommends the government make efforts to increase awareness about violence against women and to work proactively to use both judicial and law enforcement tools at the government’s disposal to reduce such incidences.
Thank you Mr. President.