Office of the President
STATEMENT OF MICHAEL S. GRECO
PRESIDENT, AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
APRIL 11, 2006
Immediate
Charles W. Hall
202/662-1092
hallc@staff.abanet.org
www.abanews.org
RE: US GOVERNMENT'S DECISION NOT TO SERVE ON THE NEW UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
The recent decision of the US government not to seek election to the new UN Human Rights Council is deeply disappointing. By refusing to seek membership on the Council, the United States has foregone an opportunity to advance human rights throughout the world.
The American Bar Association and the US government have made advancement and protection of the rule of law worldwide a top priority. Respect for human rights is a central component of the rule of law. The US government’s decision not to seek to serve on the Human Rights Council sends the wrong message to both friend and foe of human rights. It also abandons an important opportunity to help shape the human rights agenda of this important new Council, and undermines our country's moral authority to prevent nations with abysmal human rights records from serving on the Council.
The American Bar Association, which strongly supported the US government’s efforts regarding the structure of the new Council, agrees with our government that the new Council, as currently constructed by the member states, is not perfect. But human rights are too important an issue for the people of our nation, and for the people of all nations who look to the US for leadership, to stay on the sidelines. America can be most effective in promoting and protecting human rights by being a part of the Council, and by working from within for positive change.
To be sure, other countries that share our values are seeking seats on the Council. This is no reason for the US to abdicate its long-standing leadership position on protecting human rights. Our nation, which has championed human rights since its inception, should be at the table, not out of the room.
The American Bar Association urges our government to reconsider its decision not to seek a seat on the new UN Human Rights Council.
