A/HRC/36/L.12
Explanation of Position by the United States of America as delivered by Katherine Gorove
Human Rights Council, 36th Session
Geneva, September 28, 2017
The United States thanks the main sponsors for their constructive approach during the negotiations for this resolution on women and development.
The United States joins consensus on this resolution in recognition of the role development can have in contributing to the enjoyment of human rights, and while underscoring that development goals do not permit countries to deviate from their human rights obligations and commitment, including with regard to women and girls. Nonetheless, we have significant concerns about the substantial budgetary implications associated with the potentially duplicative two-day meeting and report called for in OP 3. While we appreciate the core group’s verbal assurances during the introduction of this resolution that this will be a one-time event, we do not believe that a two-day meeting is appropriate given the serious challenges the Council faces in terms of funding its likely programme of work for next year. We note that the proposed topic of the meeting – the systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective in implementing the 2030 Agenda – has already been discussed in numerous UN sessions, including a recent high-level session in New York.
Our additional concerns about references to implementation of the 2030 Agenda will be covered in a later statement at the end of Agenda Item 3.