May 1, 2009 - Posted by Antoine Morris
As part of its pursuit of a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United States this week released a document pledging its commitment to advancing human rights in the U.S. and abroad. U.N. member states seeking a seat on the council are encouraged to submit a human rights pledge document as part of their candidacy.
In addition to pledging to help combat human trafficking and help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Obama administration promised to push for Congress to ratify several international human rights treaties, most notably, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The treaty calls for equal pay, maternity benefits, repealing all laws discriminating against women, and establishing institutions dedicated to promoting gender equality. Although President Carter signed the treaty in 1980, ratification requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate, which has not yet been achieved.
The administration also pledged to honor existing treaty obligations banning racial discrimination and to vigorously enforce the American with Disabilities Act.
The U.N. General Assembly will elect 47 members to the Human Rights Council on May 15.
The Human Rights Commitments and Pledges of the United States of America (PDF)
Categories: Human Rights
