US Mission Geneva

We are greatly concerned by reports of violations of women’s rights and continued use of torture. The Iranian government has harassed and imprisoned human rights defenders, women rights leaders, bloggers, labor leaders, and members of minority communities, including Azeris, Arabs, Kurds, Baluchi, Sunni and Sufi Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Baha’is.

The Special Rapporteur’s report describes an improving human rights situation while noting that considerable challenges remain, including continuing serious human rights abuses, particularly in Kachin State and Rakhine State.

Ambassador Robert King, US Special Envoy for North Korea Human Rights Issues, and Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe respond to questions from the media.

We are deeply concerned by and agree with the Special Rapporteur’s assessment that the DPRK has taken no steps to address the systematic and widespread human rights violations in the country.

The COI’s latest report details horrifying first-hand accounts of killings; deliberate and systematic torture, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence; assault and targeted destruction of civilian property including schools and mosques; and use of children in fighting forces.

We must all work together to support Human Rights Defenders and ensure that governments uphold their freedom and human rights. We must also protect the lawyers and legal professionals who face threats and arbitrary restrictions on their ability to carry out their professional duties.

The United States thanks Professor Knox for preparing a comprehensive and thoughtful report that looks at the broad range of issues we encounter when we talk about the relationship between human rights and the environment.

Clustered Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders and Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America UN Human Rights Council – 22nd Session Geneva, March 5, 2013   Thank you, Mr. President. Human Rights Defenders The United States thanks the [...]

Item 3:  Clustered Dialogue: Working Group on Disappearances and Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America Human Rights Council 22nd Session Geneva, March 5, 2013   Thank you, Mr. President. The United States thanks the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances for [...]