Amnesty International welcomes the decision by the U.N. General Assembly on 15 March to adopt a resolution establishing a new Human Rights Council. In doing so, U.N. member states have taken a very important first step in meeting the commitment of world leaders at the 2005 World Summit to strengthen the United Nations' human rights machinery.
It is unfortunate that the United States of America called a vote and voted against the resolution. However the result demonstrates broad international support for the Council. Amnesty International urges the United States government and all member states to support the new Council and help ensure that the Council’s membership and practices are strong and effective. The first priority of the international community is to elect a Council membership committed to upholding the highest human rights standards.
Amnesty International calls on all candidate countries to:
· Declare publicly their commitment to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights when they decide to stand for election; and
· Announce their candidacies no later than 8 April 2006 – at least thirty days before elections on 9 May 2006.
http://web.amnesty.org/pages/un-index-eng
Please also see:
Annan confident US, despite objections, will work with Human Rights Council
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17804&Cr=rights&Cr1=council
Antananarivo, Madagascar, 15 March 2006 - Secretary-General's statement on the Human Rights Council http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp
FOLLOWING ARE SUMMARIES OF STATEMENTS MADE THIS MORNING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/ga10449.doc.htm
It is unfortunate that the United States of America called a vote and voted against the resolution. However the result demonstrates broad international support for the Council. Amnesty International urges the United States government and all member states to support the new Council and help ensure that the Council’s membership and practices are strong and effective. The first priority of the international community is to elect a Council membership committed to upholding the highest human rights standards.
Amnesty International calls on all candidate countries to:
· Declare publicly their commitment to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights when they decide to stand for election; and
· Announce their candidacies no later than 8 April 2006 – at least thirty days before elections on 9 May 2006.
http://web.amnesty.org/pages/un-index-eng
Please also see:
Annan confident US, despite objections, will work with Human Rights Council
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17804&Cr=rights&Cr1=council
Antananarivo, Madagascar, 15 March 2006 - Secretary-General's statement on the Human Rights Council http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp
FOLLOWING ARE SUMMARIES OF STATEMENTS MADE THIS MORNING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/ga10449.doc.htm