Interactive Dialogue with Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Human Rights Council – 54th Session
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you to the Working Group for your efforts.
We appreciate your work on recent reports on Botswana and Mongolia. The United States applauds Botswana and Mongolia’s efforts to address the issue of arbitrary detentions, such as through Botswana’s ratification of human rights instruments and Mongolia’s adoption of amnesty laws.
We support the Working Group’s recommendations in the Botswana and Mongolia Mission Reports to improve transparency for criminal justice systems and commend these governments for their efforts to protect human rights through the creation of investigative offices and national strategies, among other policies.
We recognize the challenges that remain in addressing arbitrary detention globally, ranging from the implementation of national strategies to the bypassing of legal proceedings for individuals in custody.
We urge all stakeholders to address the abhorrent practice of arbitrary detention, including detention used as a tool in state-to-state relations, and support efforts to deter arbitrary detention and ensure accountability.
I would like to ask the distinguished panel: what lessons and best practices from Botswana and Mongolia can other countries adopt?
I thank you.
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