US Mission Geneva

The outcomes of the 30th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva underscored the importance of robust U.S. engagement at the Council, where the United States continues to work with countries from all regions to address urgent human rights concerns.

We also welcome the adoption of the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, or “the Mandela Rules,” and appreciate this resolution’s emphasis on those non-binding rules.

This important and timely resolution calls attention to the growing number of ways in which citizens participate in political and public affairs and it reminds states to eliminate barriers, in law and in practice, to full and effective participation.

We endorsed its recommendation to create a Forum for People of African Descent. Given our belief in the purpose of this resolution, we would have liked to have been able to support it.

The government of the United States of America is deeply engaged in combating racism and racial discrimination.

The U.S. has long-standing, demonstrated commitments to alleviating poverty and promoting development globally through programs in food security, electrification, education, and health care, to name just a few of our Official Development Assistance-funded initiatives.

The productive 30th session of the Human Rights Council ended with powerful statements on Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan, Burundi, Yemen, Preventing and Countering Violent extremism, and Indigenous Rights, among other resolutions.

The United States strongly supports this resolution’s call for transitional authorities to increase efforts to carry out the transitional process, including aspects related to reconciliation and implementation of the Bangui Forum in an inclusive approach to enable genuine and lasting reconciliation.

In joining consensus on this resolution, we highlight the need for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to be free from interference.