Statement by Samantha Power
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York, NY
October 16, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today, the UN General Assembly elected Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, and Venezuela as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2015-2016.
The UN Charter makes clear that candidates for membership on the Security Council should be contributors to the maintenance of international peace and security and support the other purposes of the UN, including promoting universal respect for human rights. Regional groups have a responsibility to put forward candidates that satisfy these criteria and fully support the principles of the UN Charter. This year, Venezuela ran unopposed for the 2015-2016 Latin American seat.
Unfortunately, Venezuela’s conduct at the UN has run counter to the spirit of the UN Charter and its violations of human rights at home are at odds with the Charter’s letter. The United States will continue to call upon the government of Venezuela to respect the fundamental freedoms and universal human rights of its people.
From ISIL and Ebola to Mali and the Central African Republic, the Security Council must meet its responsibilities by uniting to meet common threats. All members of the Council have an obligation to meet the expectations of those who have entrusted them with these critical responsibilities.
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