Statement by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe
U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council
April 27, 2011
“The United States, working with countries from all regions of the world, initiated a Special Session of the Human Rights Council on Syria to address egregious human rights violations currently being perpetrated by the Syrian government. The international community has been shocked by the killing of hundreds of civilians in connection with peaceful political protests in the past week. We strongly condemn the killing, arrest and torture of hundreds of Syrians by the Syrian authorities. It is entirely appropriate that the Human Rights Council condemn willful government violence against peaceful political protesters. At the Special Session we expect Human Rights Council members to call on the government of Syria to meet its responsibility to protect its population and stop these attacks.”
[Note: The Special Session will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011.]