US Mission Geneva

In re-engaging the United Nations, we have not compromised our national interests, but advanced them; we have not overlooked the dysfunctions of the UN system, but sought to tackle them; and we have not muted our values, but defended them vigorously and credibly.

We welcome this special session, which is urgently needed to address the grave human rights crisis in South Sudan. We thank our fellow core group members, Albania, Paraguay, and the United Kingdom, for their leadership.

We are concerned that insecurity appears to be spreading and that the government of South Sudan appears to be preparing for large scale attacks in Central Equatoria in the coming days or weeks.

On this International Human Rights Day, we recommit ourselves to upholding universal respect for the fundamental freedoms of all humankind.

We’ve weathered great storms together. I know this is a time of uncertainty. I ask you not to be diminished by the crosscurrents that are flowing through the world today because I’m convinced – and I really believe this – I see the world – I see the glass as definitively half full, not half empty.

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack today on Christian worshippers outside St Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo that has killed more than 25 people and injured dozens more.

The US thanks the High Commission and OHCHR Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine for its continued robust reporting on the situation in Ukraine.

Mr. High Commissioner, the United States would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your Office for your on-going and critical work in promoting the protection of human rights around the world. Your voice is a vital one.

The United States supports the position of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues and wants to thank the current mandate holder for her tireless efforts.