As delivered by Sheila Leonard
Universal Periodic Review 27th Session
Geneva,
May 10, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States warmly welcomes the Netherlands’ delegation to the UPR Working Group.
The United States commends the Netherlands’ longstanding commitment to the promotion of human rights, highlighting the co-founding of the Equal Rights Coalition and the National Action Program to Combat Discrimination.
We share the Dutch government’s concern about increased societal intolerance and discrimination against members of certain ethnic and religious minority groups, particularly Jews and Muslims. Also troubling is discriminatory rhetoric from political leaders, particularly focused on Muslim immigrants. Anti-Semitic incidents, including physical attacks and online hate speech, remain high. Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend that the Netherlands:
- Expand current efforts, as appropriate, to counter online intolerance.
- Provide additional funding for the protection of religious minorities.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.