Explanation of position on the resolution entitled
“Strengthening of technical cooperation and consultative services in the Republic of Guinea”
as delivered by Ambassador Eileen Donahoe
Human Rights Council – 23rd Session
Geneva,
June 14, 2013
The United States recognizes the hard work of the cosponsors of this resolution and thanks them for their efforts. The challenges before the Government of Guinea in the promotion and protection of human rights remain serious, given the continuation of human rights violations and abuses over the last year. In particular, we are concerned about ongoing violence at political protests and allegations of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and killings of protest participants. We recognize, however, that the Government of Guinea has taken positive steps and we welcome the agreement recently reached by the Government of Guinea and members of the opposition political parties to pave the way for all parties to participate in legislative elections.
While we affirm the paramount importance and significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement, we would note it is not a legal instrument as the resolution suggests.