Item 4 General Debate on Human Rights Situations Requiring Council Attention
United Nations Human Rights Council 48th Session
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Moeling
The United States is gravely concerned about the human rights situations in Burma, the DPRK, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Belarus.
We strongly condemn China’s abuse – including economic exploitation, systemic racism, and destruction of cultural heritage – directed toward members of ethnic and religious minority groups, including genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and extreme restrictions on human rights and on religious, linguistic, and cultural traditions in Tibet.
We condemn Hong Kong authorities’ detention of democratic activists and call for their immediate release.
We urge the Cuban regime to cease its repression of its people, including the unjust detention of hundreds of protestors, journalists, and activists.
We are saddened and angered by reports of human rights abuses in northern Ethiopia, including sexual and gender-based violence and blocking of humanitarian access, and urge all parties to immediately end hostilities without preconditions.
We deeply regret the Russian government’s targeted repression of the political opposition and independent media and civil society groups, and its orchestration of illegitimate elections.
Thank you.