Universal Periodic Review – 13th Session
The 13th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Session is occurring from May 21 – 31 and is the beginning of the second cycle of reviews. The United States believes the UPR has the potential to effect real change in countries throughout the world. The UPR is not just something that occurs in Geneva every four and half years. It is an ongoing, daily tool to advance human rights. Our interventions to other countries are crafted with the goal of providing useful, targeted recommendations that, when implemented, will create positive change for society. Please click here for the United States’ interventions to the 14 countries participating in Session 13.
U.S. Government Donates $30 Million to WFP's Emergency Operation in South Sudan
The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced it will provide emergency relief to assist conflict-affected and food-insecure people in South Sudan. The $30 million contribution will be delivered through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The assistance is in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan, where an estimated one million people are severely food-insecure due to a cereal deficit, high food prices and intercommunal conflict. Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Meets With UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations
May 16: Today, Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs met with Mr. Hervé Ladsous, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations at the U.S. Department of State.
Secretary Clinton’s Video Message for World Press Freedom Day
Secretary Clinton (May 3): “…the United States joins its global partners in calling for the release of all imprisoned journalists in every country across the globe and for the end to intimidation. Let us honor the many brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us informed, to keep governments accountable and societies more democratic, prosperous and successful. And let us continue to champion those who stand for media freedom as a powerful force for progress.” Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Addresses 2012 World Press Freedom Day Conference in Tunisia
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (May 3): "…last year’s events focused particular attention on the rapid expansion of internet and other social media, and the role of those technologies in empowering civil society. We see evidence of that empowerment every day, and even in the most difficult of environments, such as in Syria, those connective technologies ensure that the world witnesses the truth of what is happening on the ground." Full Text» More»
Americans Abroad Video Profile
Rolando Gomez, Information Officer for the OHCHR
Rolando Gomez, Public Information Officer for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations explains his work in media and public relations at the Human Rights Council as a part of the U.S. Mission to the UN in Geneva’s video profile series, Americans Abroad: Getting Things Done in Geneva. The video series highlights the important work Americans do at the UN and other international organizations in Geneva. View This Video» See More Videos in This Series»
Celebrating International Jazz Day
U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO Blogs About Jazz Day
Amb Killion (Apr 30): “Back in the United States my colleagues at the State Department have long recognized the power of jazz as a means of connecting people. More than 50 years ago, the Department launched a landmark jazz diplomacy effort featuring American musical legend Dizzy Gillespie. Ever since then, jazz has been a continuing feature of U.S. cultural engagement programs. Well, I am very proud to announce the latest chapter in the State Department's "jazz diplomacy" program kicks off this Friday here in Paris, where we get an early start on UNESCO's inaugural International Jazz Day, which will be officially celebrated around the world on April 30, 2012.” Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Esther Brimmer Travel to Miami, Florida
(Apr 23): Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer traveled to Miami, Florida, April 24 to 25 to meet with civil society organizations, media, and students. She engaged the community through a roundtable discussion hosted by SAVE Dade, a leading regional organization dedicated to advancing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, a meeting with students and faculty of Miami-Dade College, remarks to the Miami chapter of the Council of Foreign Relations, and a roundtable event with the Greater Miami Broward Chapter of the American Jewish Committee. Follow Assistant Secretary Brimmer on twitter @State_IO. As Prepared Remarks»
Embassy Jazz Day: Crossing Borders, Bridging Cultures
The State Department and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History (NHAH) are collaborating during this April’s Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) to co-host “Embassy Jazz Day: Crossing Borders, Bridging Cultures” in the lead up to UNESCO’s first International Jazz Day (April 30). Smithsonian and the Department will host the Embassy Jazz Day event on Sunday, April, 22, 2012, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm to showcase next generation jazz artists and jazz educators who will introduce Washington’s top diplomats from across the globe to the power of jazz as a cultural diplomacy tool. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer will deliver opening remarks, followed by remarks from Smithsonian Institution leaders and a panel discussion. More Information»
UN Peacekeeping Mission Remains Critical to Cote d’Ivoire’s Future
IO Deputy Assistant Secretary Holt (April 7): Flying into Abidjan, you see that Cote d'Ivoire is back in business. Streets are lit, cars are new, and the downtown has the vibrancy and neon signs of a busy capitol. Plans for development -- such as a new bridge to link the city across its lagoons -- are the government's focus. Little of this was imaginable a year ago, when the country faced a dramatic crisis of leadership -- and a questionable future -- after its November 2010 elections. For months, the UN peacekeepers, backed by the international community and French Licorne forces, held the line against a defiant former leader who refused to step down despite losing the Presidential elections to his rival. Yet today, with former President Gbagbo in the Hague for war crimes, President Ouattara is moving forward to put the past behind and build a united nation. Full Text»
Counter Piracy: Global Community Gathers to Take Action
DipNote (April 6): In March, the United States turned over to the Republic of Seychelles 15 suspected Somali pirates for prosecution in connection with an attempted January 5 attack on the M/V Sunshine in the northern Arabian Sea and the abduction of 13 Iranian mariners rescued by the U.S. Navy aboard their captured fishing vessel Al Molai. The successful resolution of this incident marks another step forward in working with our international partners to see that pirates are brought to justice and underscores our ongoing commitment to promoting freedom of navigation worldwide. Full Text»
U.S. Civilian Police Officer Plays Key Role in UN Peacekeeping Mission to Liberia
DipNote (April 4): Meet Jack Nielsen, former Police Chief of Albany New York. These days, as Deputy Police Commissioner for the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) he oversees over 1,300 police advisers and officers serving as peacekeepers, from over 40 countries. Jack is from Albany, New York, where he had a law enforcement career that spanned over 30 years. He had seen and done it all. A specialist in both community policing and the administrative functions of a major police department, Jack is one of those great public servants who have taken their skills overseas. After retiring he offered his talent to UN missions and U.S. assistance projects in Haiti and in Liberia, where he has toiled since 2007. Full Text»
U.S. Takes the Reins of the UN Security Council Presidency
DipNote (April 4): When Ambassador Susan Rice assumed the rotating monthly Presidency of the UN Security Council from the United Kingdom this week, she began by taking a question on Twitter. "The world is shrinking," Ambassador Rice said recently. In a world of freely moving information, we also face rapidly evolving threats that can just as easily cross borders. As President, Ambassador Rice is using her agenda-setting power to focus the Council's attention on such 21st century challenges, from the proliferation of nuclear materials to illicit arms flows to humanitarian crises. Full Text»
Piracy Off the Horn of Africa
Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Discusses Piracy, Multilateral Approach in Addressing the Issue
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (March 27): From the beginning, the United States has adopted a multilateral approach focused on addressing this issue as a shared challenge. Piracy affects the international community as a whole and can only be effectively addressed through broad, coordinated, and comprehensive international efforts. In January 2009, the United States helped establish the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia to both prompt action and coordinate the efforts to suppress Somali piracy. The Contact Group is based on a voluntary membership and was established concurrent with the UN Security Council’s passage of Resolution 1851. It now includes over 70 nations as well as international and maritime industry organizations, to help coordinate national and international counter-piracy policies and actions. Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Delivers Remarks at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey, March 26, 2012
"Good morning, and thank you for hosting me today at Bilkent University. It’s a real pleasure to be here. In less than thirty years, Bilkent already is known around the world as Turkey’s premier university. I couldn’t think of a better place for a conversation with a group that, I’m quite sure, includes a number of women and men who will be part of the next generation of Turkish leaders. So I’m eager to engage with you on any questions you have about U.S. foreign policy, and maybe I have a few questions for you as well. But first, I’d like to take just a few moments to point out how President Obama has approached U.S. foreign policy. I’d also like to point out a few characteristics of our 21st century world that support the United States’ emphasis on multilateral engagement, as well as the many opportunities for ongoing partnership between the United States and our close ally Turkey. And I’ll close by highlighting some of the ongoing challenges we face together." Full text» Photos»
Syria Resolution Highlights Growing Unity of International Community, Isolation of Three Who Voted Against
Ambassador Donahoe (March 23): Today, on the session’s final day, Council members came together in their strongest show of unity yet to demand end to the violence by the Assad regime. The resolution on Syria we have just adopted highlights the growing unity of the international community and the increasing isolation of the three countries which stood alone to oppose the text. Today’s resolution is important. It renews and significantly strengthens the work of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), the team of investigators tasked by the HRC with documenting the situation inside Syria with a view to ensuring that those who are responsible are held to account. Full Statement» Resolution Text»
Statement by Secretary Clinton on the UN Human Rights Council Vote on Sri Lanka Reconciliation
“Today’s action by the UN Human Rights Council encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to continue on the path toward reconciliation following 27 years of civil war. The United States, together with the international community, sent a strong signal that Sri Lanka will only achieve lasting peace through real reconciliation and accountability, and the international community stands ready to help. The next steps are clear. We look to the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the constructive recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and take the necessary measures to address accountability.” Full Text»
Launch of the University of Pennsylvania UNESCO Chair for Literacy
Deputy Assistant Secretary Cook (Mar. 15): "We are very encouraged by UNESCO’s expanding partnerships with our institutions of higher learning, such as the University of Pennsylvania. Our universities are engaged in some of the most innovative and fascinating learning and research on a wide range of topics, and the United States has a long and proud tradition of employing that research for the benefit humankind. Today, nearly 20 U.S. universities share their knowledge globally through the UNESCO Chairs network. It has proven to be a very effective vehicle for these universities to forge strong connections with the developing world. These connections benefit not only their partner institutions abroad, but also provide an enriching experience for our students here in the United States." Full Text»
The United Nations and Commitment to Democracy in the Middle East
Secretary Clinton Remarks on Libya, Syria, Yemen, at the UN Security Council
Secretary Clinton (March 12): ”Now I approach these conversations with a healthy dose of humility, because we know that these revolutions are not ours. They are not by us, for us, or against us. But we also know that, as an international community, we do have the resources and capabilities to support those who seek peaceful, meaningful, democratic change. We must also have the will. Now of course, change is unfolding in different ways in different places, and in each unique case, our tools have to be matched with the circumstances. Here at the UN Security Council, three cases in particular demand our attention today.” Full Text»
Ambassador David Killion Explains Vote for Agenda Item 24, Response of UNESCO to the Situation in the Syrian Arab Republic
March 8: The United States is profoundly disappointed that this resolution does not call for the outright removal of Syria from the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations – something for which we have repeatedly called for. We agree with Director-General Bokova that, given the actions of the Assad regime, it is not clear how Syria can contribute to the work of the committee. We hope that UNESCO will revisit Syria’s membership following the UNESCO's Director General’s report on Syria. Full Text»
Protecting Rights of LGBT People Part of Unfinished Work of Making Human Rights a Reality
Statement by the United States on the Panel on Discrimination and Violence based on Sexual Orientation 19thth Session of Human Rights Council Delivered by Daniel B. Baer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Geneva, March 7, 2012
"In December, Secretary of State Clinton spoke here in Geneva about how protecting the human rights of all people, including LGBT people, remains part of the urgent unfinished work for those committed to making human rights a human reality. She came in a spirit of humility. She spoke about our own country’s ongoing work -- including the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” which took effect last year and allows gay men and lesbians to serve openly in our armed forces. And she acknowledged that, for many, accepting that sexual orientation and gender identity do not affect a person’s human rights is hard. But she also explained why it is both necessary and right." Full Text»
Under Secretary for Civilian Security Democracy, Human Rights Addresses the UN Human Rights Council
Assistant Secretary Brimmer accompanied Under Secretary Maria Otero for the Under Secretary’s Intervention at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland
Under Secretary Otero (March 2): "The United States has worked through this Council to assist countries in transition with their human rights challenges. We have supported human rights protection and promotion in Kyrgyzstan, Guinea, Haiti and Cote d’ Ívoire, among others. In our UPR presentation, we addressed our own incomplete journey toward universal human rights, and we admire those countries that speak about their shortcomings as well as their strengths. We stand ready to help countries ready to address their human rights challenges, and during this session we hope to reach agreement to provide additional assistance to Yemen and Libya. With the support of this Council, these countries can consolidate democracy and become new beacons of leadership on human rights." Full Text» Photo Gallery»
Presidential Proclamation -- Women’s History Month, 2012
President Obama (March 1): "Because the peace and security of nations around the globe depend upon the education and advancement of women and girls, my Administration has placed their perspectives and needs at the heart of our foreign policy. Last December, I released the first United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security to help ensure women play an equal role in peace-building worldwide. By fully integrating women's voices into peace processes and our work to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and deliver humanitarian assistance, the United States is bringing effective support to women in areas of conflict and improving the chances for lasting peace. In the months ahead, my Administration will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners on new initiatives to bring economic and political opportunity to women at home and abroad." Full Text»
Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer meets with World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan, at the WHO headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2012.
Remarks by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, at a "Strengthening Women's Political Participation" Event
Valerie Jarrett (Feb 28):“USAID has launched a women’s leadership fund, and the State Department has created an initiative for women in public service. And last year, here at the UN, Secretary Clinton signed a new Declaration on Women’s Participation. These are just a few of the many steps that we are taking, and we’re absolutely committed to do more. During President Obama’s address to the 2011 UN General Assembly, he reaffirmed his commitment to increasing women’s participation, and called upon member states to announce, within the next year, the steps that they are taking to break down economic and political barriers for women and girls. As a part of our contribution to this effort, the United States introduced the UNGA Third Committee resolution on “Women and Political Participation,” which calls on all states to end discriminatory laws and actively promote and protect human rights for women to take a part in public life.” Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Addresses the UN Human Rights Council on Syria
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb. 28): The way forward is clear. The Syrian government must immediately halt its attacks on civilians, withdraw its military and security forces to their barracks, and release the many civilians, including journalists, whom it has detained arbitrarily. The government must grant humanitarian access to the country without delay, allowing much-needed food, water, and medical assistance to be delivered to the Syrian people. Full Text» Transcript: Brimmer, Donahoe Speak With Press During HRC Urgent Debate on Syria»
Forum on African American Leadership in Foreign Affairs
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb. 17): "If there’s one thing I would like you to remember from my comments today, it is this: our nation’s diversity is not just unique, it is also a powerful symbol and a tremendous asset to our global diplomacy." Full Text»
Third Ministerial of the Paris Pact Initiative
Deputy Secretary Burns (Feb. 16): "While the Afghan drug trade begins in Afghanistan, its causes and consequences extend far beyond its borders. So must our responsibility for solving it. This is a global problem that demands a common response, rooted firmly in the full implementation of the three UN drug conventions." Full Text»
The Role and Relevance of Multilateral Engagement
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb. 16): "I’m very pleased to be in Atlanta for a brief visit, and when I have occasion to travel around the country, I make every effort to meet with the chapters of the World Affairs Council....I do so not just because you are a community deeply engaged on foreign policy issues, but because we share an obligation to explain to the larger American public the crucial importance of robust U.S. engagement on the international stage." Full Text»
Supporting the Empowerment of Women and Girls Globally
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb. 15): "It is truly an honor for me to be in Atlanta at America's oldest historically black college for women, particularly during Black History Month, to discuss some of the many ways the President and Secretary of State are supporting the empowerment of women and girls globally....As Secretary Clinton and officials across this Administration have stated repeatedly, the major security, governance, environmental, and economic challenges of the 21st Century cannot be solved without the participation of women and girls at all levels of society." Full Text»
Secretary Clinton Addresses UN Security Council on Syria
Secretary Clinton (Jan. 31): “So why is the Arab League here before this Security Council? Because they are seeking the support of the international community for a negotiated, peaceful political solution to this crisis and a responsible, democratic transition in Syria. And we all have a choice: Stand with the people of Syria and the region or become complicit in the continuing violence there.” Full Text» More»
Regime Violence in Syria
Secretary Clinton (Jan. 30): "The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the escalation of the Syrian regime’s violent and brutal attacks on its own people. In the past few days we have seen intensified Syrian security operations all around the country which have killed hundreds of civilians. The government has shelled civilian areas with mortars and tank fire and brought down whole buildings on top of their occupants." Full Text»
2012 State of the Union Address
President Obama (Jan. 24): "We will safeguard America’s own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with Iran’s nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent." Full Text»
Leading Reform at the United Nations
Ambassador Torsella (Jan. 20): "Today, we’re outlining a broad-based reform agenda for the UN with four pillars: economy, accountability, integrity, and excellence. In the months ahead, we’ll continue to push hard for a United Nations that is leaner, cleaner, respected, and effective." Full Text»
Teaching Respect for All
U.S., Brazil, UNESCO Launch Educational Curriculum Aimed at Strengthening the Foundations of Respect, Tolerance, Reducing Discrimination and Violence
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer, Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, and U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO David Killion at UNESCO headquarters in Paris for the launch of the Teaching Respect for All Initiative.
UNESCO Launches Teaching Respect for All Initiative
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Jan. 18): "All forms of intolerance are an affront to human dignity. And we must respond: as members of a global community and as members of our local communities. As we challenge our youth to respond to these problems and make a difference, we need to offer them every bit of support that we can. Teaching Respect for All is about providing that support." Full Text» Media Note» More Information»
Appointment of Ambassador Ertharin Cousin as Executive Director of the World Food Programme
Secretary Clinton (Jan. 17): "I am delighted to congratulate Ambassador Ertharin Cousin on her appointment by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Jose Graziano da Silva to serve as the next Executive Director of the World Food Programme. For over 50 years, the World Food Programme has played a vital role in reducing global hunger, poverty and undernutrition worldwide, providing assistance to millions of men, women, and children in desperate need." Full Text»
