Madam, – Amnesty International echoes the welcome in your Editorial, (May 14th), to the US government’s decision to engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council, following its successful candidacy for the council this week.
The Human Rights Council was created by the UN General Assembly in 2006 as the principal human rights body of the UN. This was a historic step towards strengthening the UN’s human rights machinery. However, even in the face of unambiguous international support for the council, the then US government voted against the resolution and subsequently adopted an obstructionist position to the council’s work.
While Amnesty does not support or oppose particular states’ election to the council, the fact that the US put itself forward as a candidate is a welcome signal of a shift in position.
Many people may not be aware of the council’s work. It is composed of 47 elected member states, who must commit to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights. The council meets in sessions throughout the year and can address both thematic and country-based human rights issues and make recommendations to states. The council also undertakes a review of the fulfilment of the human rights obligations of every UN member state through the Universal Periodic Review. Ireland is up for review in 2011.
Of course, the effectiveness of the Human Rights Council in protecting and promoting human rights around the world depends on the strength of the commitment of its members to base their contributions and decisions on human rights, and we will look with interest at how the US engages constructively as a member. – Yours, etc,