Annual thematic discussion on technical cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights
Technical cooperation and capacity-building to promote and protect the rights of all migrants, including women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities
As delivered by Vivian Ekey
March 22, 2016, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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 and effective forms of support that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights can offer. Each State has the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights, and we congratulate governments that request assistance from OHCHR for seeking solutions to their challenges.
We welcome the panelists’ remarks. The United States is glad this panel highlights the specific needs of older persons and persons with disabilities, as they are among the most vulnerable migrants.
We would also like to highlight the Migrants in Countries in Crisis or “MICIC” Initiative, led by the Philippines and the United States as co-chairs, in consultation with a Working Group of interested states and organizations. Through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder consultative process the Initiative will develop a set of non-binding, voluntary principles, guidelines, and practices to improve preparedness and better protect migrants caught in countries experiencing a conflict or disaster.