Adoption of Resolution on Enhancement of International Cooperation in the field of Human Rights”
Explanation of Vote by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council 50th Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States believes the resolution on International Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights does not adequately address the necessary means to protect and promote human rights through multilateral efforts and international fora.
We reiterate our long-standing concern with controversial elements in this resolution, including the reference in preambular paragraph 9 to the declaration signed by Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in 2019, that many members of this Council did not endorse. We additionally oppose the reference to “Unilateral Coercive Measures,” which does not have an agreed-upon international definition and suggests that states bear responsibility for the human rights obligations of other states.
The United States understands that references to dissemination of technology and transfer of, or access to, technology are to voluntary technology transfers on mutually agreed-upon terms, and that all references to access to information and/or knowledge are to information or knowledge that is made available with the authorization of the legitimate holder. The language concerning technology transfer in this resolution does not, from the U.S. perspective, serve as a precedent for future negotiated documents.
The concerns of the United States on the existence of a “right to development” are long-standing and well known, as further summarized in our General Statement. Notwithstanding, the United States has ongoing, demonstrated commitments to alleviating poverty and promoting development globally through programs in food security, electrification, education, and health care, to name a few of our Official Development Assistance-funded initiatives. We are dedicated to incorporating respect for human rights into our development strategies to promote inclusion and dignity of all.
For these reasons, the United States calls for a vote and will vote against this resolution. Thank you.
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