Explanation of Vote: A/HRC/27/L.15 on Right to peace
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Keith Harper
U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council
UN Human Rights Council – 27th Session
Geneva
September 25, 2014
First, the United States welcomes the efforts of Costa Rica in trying to find a consensus on this difficult issue. While we voted against the establishment of the Working Group, we have participated constructively in its first two sessions, and we will continue to do so in the final session called for by this resolution. We hope that there can still be a constructive path forward in affirming the relationship between human rights and peace.
However, as we have stated previously, the United States does not agree with attempts to develop a collective “right to peace” that would in any way modify or stifle the exercise of existing human rights.
The text before the Council today does not address our concerns and, therefore we must call a vote and vote against this resolution.
Thank you, Mister President.