Statement as delivered by Eric Richardson,
Delegation of the United States of America
28th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Geneva,
March 24, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States expresses its appreciation for the oral report of the Independent Expert. We acknowledge ongoing efforts by the government to reform the security sector and establish functioning government institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission. However, we echo the Independent Expert’s concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the north of the country due to the increased activity of terrorist groups and a pattern of sexual assaults by armed groups and government forces.
The United States is particularly distressed by reports of violence involving children, which were highlighted in the Independent Expert’s report. Both government forces and armed groups reportedly have targeted young persons for sexual violence. Children reportedly have been the particular victims of indiscriminate attacks resulting in life-changing injuries.
Finally, the United States agrees with the IE that addressing impunity is vital to ensuring a lasting peace. We commend the Government of Mali’s efforts to reform the National Human Rights Commission and to establish mobile counseling centers to expedite judicial proceedings for crimes committed in northern Mali.
Questions:
- What is the status of the request to the Secretary General to establish a commission to shed light on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law?
- How do you foresee the role of this commission in eliminating impunity for these violations?
Thank you.