Item 3: Resolution Entitled “Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law,” A/HRC/28/L.24
Explanation of Vote on Amendment by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council 28th Session
Delivered by Ambassador Keith Harper
Geneva, March 26, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President.
We regret the decision by some states to put forward an amendment to this resolution after the process of negotiations led by the core group has been extremely open and transparent.
We are seriously concerned that this amendment serves to stifle the voices of civil society and restrict the space to provide differing views on the topics of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. We are dismayed to see that the amendment is aimed at restricting civil society participation at the forum on a “no-objection basis.” The voices of civil society are vital to vibrant democracies and their participation in the forum should be welcome.
The United States will oppose the amendment before us today and vote in favor of the text. We urge all Council members to do the same.
Thank you, Mr. President.