Support the U.S.'s Decision to Join the UN Human Rights Council
Have we forgotten the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Sixty years ago, the United Nations worked with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to develop the Declaration, the first in human history to spell out the basic civil, political, economic and social rights that all human beings should enjoy.
To promote the human rights principles embodied in the Declaration, the UN went on to create the Commission on Human Rights to serve as an intergovernmental body that could call out human rights abuses to support the international community's ability to hold violators accountable.
For years the Commission was plagued by major human rights abusers being elected to the body, and in 2006 was replaced by the Human Rights Council. This body is also challenged by oppressive regimes that hold seats on the Council, but it has new tools to strengthen its credibility to promote human rights globally. Even so, the Bush Administration refused to participate in the elections and in 2008 withdrew as an observer.
Earlier this year, the Obama Administration demonstrated its commitment to reengagement with the global human rights body by running for, and winning, a seat on the Council in May 2009. The move shows this Administration's belief that more diplomatic engagement by the United States, not less, is necessary to strengthen the Council's important work.
The President's goal to reform the Council won't be easy and it won't be quick. But it will be essential for safeguarding human rights. Show your support for U.S. reengagement in the UN Human Rights Council by signing the petition, and urge President Obama to stay committed to working with the UN to strengthen the Council's work.
Dear President Obama,
We congratulate you on your decision to seek a U.S. seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. Since day one, your administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to human rights, and this step sends a strong message that the U.S. is ready to resume a leadership role in the protection of human rights worldwide.
The Human Rights Council has great potential to promote human rights, but strong leadership from the United States is required to maximize its potential. By running for and winning a seat on the Council, the United States is well positioned to strengthen it from within, and further the Council's work to spotlight human rights abusers.
In particular, this year the United States can begin to lay the groundwork for the 2011 review of the Human Rights Council, which will present a key opportunity to strengthen the Council's structure, policies and procedures. The United States should also use its leverage to ensure the Universal Periodic Review, a unique and potentially powerful tool, serves its intended purpose and holds all Member States accountable for their actions.
Further, as a Council member, the United States can encourage more positive results by building coalitions across regional groups to help ensure that serious human rights issues -- such as Darfur, the rights of women and political and religious freedom -- are addressed by the international community.
We urge your administration to continue direct reengagement on international human rights issues. It's the only way the Council can regain its balanced standing, increase its effectiveness and fulfill its original and essential purpose of promoting human rights worldwide.
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