PRESS RELEASE: Citizens for Global Solutions Applauds U.S. Run for U.N. Human Rights Council

Press Release from Citizens for Global Solutions

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009

Contact: Diane Hodges (202) 546-3950

Washington, D.C. – Citizens for Global Solutions warmly congratulates the United States for its decision to run for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council in next month’s elections. Global Solutions CEO Don Kraus says, “This action sends a strong signal to the international community that the Obama Administration is committed to defending human rights for all global citizens. This moves the U.S. one step closer to returning it to its previous role as a leader in the defense of human rights around the world.”

As a member of the Council, the U.S. will be able to provide a voice for the voiceless, and to ensure that those who violate human rights will be held accountable for their crimes, anywhere in the world. We strongly support this decision and believe that it will substantially improve the UN human rights regime to the great benefit of the U.S. and individuals across the globe.

Congressman Howard Berman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said, “For too long the United States has sat on the sidelines … The time is ripe to take a more positive and active role in challenging the Council and in speaking out about genuine human rights atrocities.”

The Human Rights Council is the only international body through which promotes human rights and addresses pervasive human rights violations. The Council will only be able reach its potential with the help of strong leadership from the United States. It is also a key platform through which to empower those who are discriminated against the most, including women and girls.  We strongly believe that our shared human rights objectives will not be fully realized until all governments fulfill their obligations to respect and protect the rights of women and girls.

The decision by the Obama administration to seek a seat on the Council demonstrates its commitment to work more closely with our allies around the world. We enthusiastically applaud this decision and look forward to active U.S. engagement in creating a stronger, more effective Human Rights Council.

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