We wish to express our thanks to the members of the Economic and Social Council who voted for the United States, and especially to the members of the Western European and Others Group (WEOG), who agreed on a consensus slate.

The Commission on Human Rights has a serious responsibility to support people who have been deprived of their fundamental freedoms.  When the Commission fails to examine certain human rights situations, it sends the wrong signal to those struggling daily to fight for freedom. In this past session, the Commission failed to address gross violations of human rights in China, Chechnya, Iran and Zimbabwe.  On the other hand, we were encouraged and pleased to see that the countries of Latin America  stood up for human rights and democracy in their own region, especially with regard to Cuba.  The Commission can and should support UN member states that work to uphold universal standards of human rights in their own region.  Experience has shown that the Commission works best when the U.S. is a full, voting member. 

The United States will work with our friends and allies to help live up to the principles and mission for which the Commission was founded.