The Obama Administration is promoting democracy, understanding that the foundations of democracy must be grown beyond elections, and those foundations are best seeded from within. We are standing up for human rights around the world, mindful of our deep and abiding interest in ensuring strong global mechanisms to defend these rights. Thus, we are working closely with friends, allies, the United Nations and others  to improve the performance and the prospects of the Human Rights Council, so that it can protect and promote the principles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.