Statement of the United States of America
As delivered by Sheila Leonard
Human Rights Council 34th session
Geneva, March 10, 2017
Thank you Mr. President. The United States thanks the panelists for their presentations and work. With over 244 million migrants worldwide, member states face both great challenges and opportunities as they work to protect the human rights of migrants.
The United States looks forward to OHCHR’s participation in the process of developing a global compact on safe, orderly, and regular migration.
The United States has long supported efforts to promote respect for the human rights of migrants in vulnerable situations as well as appropriate assistance and humane treatment. This is why the United States championed the Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative.
We hope that the voluntary Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative’s Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster will serve as a valuable resource and assist member states and other stakeholders in preparing for and responding to crises in ways that protect and empower migrants.
As we begin the preparatory process for the global migration compact, what advice do the panelists have for member states on identifying the protection and assistance needs of migrants in vulnerable situations?
Thank you Mr. President.