Human Rights Council holds General debate on Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention

By US Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe • June 8, 2010

Geneva, June 8th, 2010 – Human Rights Council 14th Session
Item 4: General Debate on Human Rights Situations Requiring Council Attention
Delivered by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe

Thank you, Mr. President. The United States appreciates the opportunity to bring to the Council’s attention the following country specific situations:

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• In Burma, the grim human rights situation documented for us in March by Special Rapporteur Ojea Quintana remains grim. While we continue to pursue engagement with the authorities, we believe that the international community must also continue to look for ways to effectively address the human rights challenges in the country. The authorities’ response to efforts by the international community to engage with it on these issues has been profoundly disappointing, as was the recently promulgated electoral law. In March, the Special Rapporteur recommended that the UN consider creating a Commission of Inquiry into serious violations of international humanitarian law. Establishment of a unified, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic country that respects the human rights of its citizens is essential. With this objective in mind, the United States is actively considering the Special Rapporteur’s recommendation to convene a Commission of Inquiry. We would be interested to hear the views of other delegations on advancing the work of the Special Rapporteur, including on the Commission of Inquiry recommendation.

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