Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR on ESC Rights and COVID-19 Recovery
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 54th Session
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Thank you, Madam Vice President, and thank you High Commissioner for your report.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, without distinction of any kind.
All States should take steps towards progressively realizing economic, social, and cultural rights for persons in their states, no matter their level of development.
Although we have exited the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health systems, economies, and everyday lives are still recovering.
It is critical that all States examine their health infrastructure and systems now so we can better prepare, prevent, and, if needed, respond rapidly and effectively when facing future health emergencies, while protecting the human rights of all persons.
We read with interest the High Commissioner’s Vision for reinforcing the Office’s work on advancing ESC rights by building off the Office’s Surge Initiative. We welcome consultations with member states on this vision.
We agree with the report that tackling corruption, respecting diversity and cultural rights, and empowering public participation and civil society are key to responsible governance and progressively realizing ESC Rights.
We look forward to hearing more about how OHCHR envisions expanding its work on these and other issues outlined in the Vision such as advising on legislation, policymaking, and budget allocations; harnessing the power of data; and helping to ensure accountability when ESC rights are not realized.”
Let us work together to make progress on human rights, on the SDGs, and on global health outcomes.
###