Interactive Dialogue with Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As delivered by Tim Johnson
Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Special Rapporteur Voule, for your work defending the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, including in crisis situations.
These freedoms not only serve as an indispensable foundation for an active civil society and political pluralism, they are essential to upholding other human rights.
Sadly, the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association are under serious threat in many parts of the world today. We are particularly concerned, for example, by restrictions imposed by Cambodia’s government on political parties’ and opposition political leaders’ participation in national elections in July. We call on Cambodia to ensure a free and fair electoral process that respects freedoms of peaceful assembly and association for members of all political parties, media, civil society, and voters.
In Peru, we are concerned by violence associated with the security forces’ response to the December 2022 to February 2023 protests and call on the Government of Peru to continue to investigate all deaths and claims of excessive use of force.
In Hong Kong, we are concerned by the prosecution of peaceful protestors under the National Security Law, including Jimmy Lai.
Special Rapporteur Voule, how can the international community assist your mandate for the promotion and protection of Freedom of Assembly and Association in crisis situations?
I thank you.
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