Annual thematic discussion on technical cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights
28th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Geneva,
March 25, 2015
Thank you, Madam Vice-President.
The United States welcomes this annual discussion on technical cooperation and protection of human rights.
The United States strongly supports technical assistance and capacity-building in the area of human rights. We believe technical assistance is one of the most tangible forms of support that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights can offer. The United States congratulates governments that have sought assistance from OHCHR for their willingness to seek solutions to the challenges they face.
While technical cooperation is a useful tool to promote the implementation of human rights, we maintain that each State has the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights.
We welcome Ms. Esther Mwaura-Muiru’s presentation on engaging civil society to work together toward achieving development goals. Governments that create and protect space for citizens to pursue the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association reap democratic dividends. Additionally, civil society organizations can be key contributors to economic development.
Thank you.