Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance with Cote d’Ivoire in the Field of Human Rights Resolution
EOP by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council 29th Session
July 3, 2015
Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States is pleased to co-sponsor this resolution on capacity building and technical cooperation with Cote d’Ivoire in the field of human rights. The United States is a strong supporter of the mandate of the Independent Expert for Cote d’Ivoire and welcomes the Cote d’Ivoire government’s stated commitment to cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms, and to promote and protect human rights.
We also strongly support Cote d’Ivoire’s efforts to reform its criminal code consistent with its international commitments but observe that international law does not prohibit capital punishment when imposed and carried out in a manner that is consistent with a state’s international obligations. We also understand that the Rome Statute affords States Parties discretion as to how to incorporate their obligations into domestic law and does not require that States Parties abolish the death penalty. While the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, we remain steadfastly committed to promoting the rule of law and supporting efforts to bring those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide to justice.
The United States looks forward to the continuing multilateral cooperation with the government of Cote d’Ivoire and with the UN Human Rights Council.
Thank you, Mr. President.