RE: United States Seeking Election to the United Nations Human Rights Council

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 1, 2009 – The American Bar Association applauds the announcement by the Obama administration that the United States will seek election to the United Nations Human Rights Council this spring. Despite some council shortcomings, it nonetheless remains the only global intergovernmental institution for monitoring and addressing human rights abuses throughout the world.

Active participation and engagement by countries strongly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights are essential to the council’s ultimate success.  As a member, the United States will be better able to work to improve the operations and effectiveness of the council, and to reassert our nation’s traditional position as a leader in promoting international human rights and the rule of law.

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