High-Level Commemorative Event on the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council
Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 50th Session
Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this opportunity to reflect on the past, present, and future of the Human Rights Council.
Sixteen years after its inception, this Council has shown that it has the institutional strength and flexibility to be a significant force for effectively addressing the world’s continuing and emerging human rights crises.
The United States is proud to be back on the HRC and we will continue to use our seat to promote greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and religion or belief, as well as respect for the human rights of women and girls in all their diversity; LGBTQI+ persons; members of racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups; persons with disabilities; and members of other marginalized populations.
Members States are most credible when we do our part to confront challenges in our own countries, which the United States continues to prioritize; we do so in a self-reflective way, remaining open to feedback. At the same time, we will not shy away from highlighting human rights concerns around the world, no matter how powerful the government that is responsible.
While some try to label this as “polarization,” or “politicization,” this is the HRC’s main and foundational role: to make sure that all states, bound by their obligations under international law, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The mechanisms we create must aim to improve human rights situations on the ground.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to our work in this Council; to remain effective, we must continue to have open dialogue, seek principled outcomes, and work together for the greater good. I promise to do my part.
Thank you, and I look forward to working with you all during and beyond this session.
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