Statement by UN Watch
UPR of Micronesia
Agenda Item 6, UNHRC 31st Session
16 March 2016
Delivered by Mr. Hillel Neuer
Watch the video of the speech below
UN Watch welcomes the delegation of Micronesia. According to the annual human rights survey by Freedom House, Micronesia received the highest possible rankings on the measure of Freedom, on Civil Liberties, and also on Political Rights. This is worthy of sincere congratulations.
At the same time, UN Watch encourages the government to take further actions to strengthen human rights protection.
Respect for human rights and the founding principles of the United Nations Charter are manifest not only by a government’s domestic policy and practice, but also by the degree to which it supports the promotion and protection of human rights in the international arena.
In this regard, Micronesia has an exemplary record in its voting at the General Assembly. Where others might go along to get along, Micronesia has taken firm and principled positions in support of peace, human rights, and the equality principles of the United Nations Charter. In doing so, they have nobly opposed redundant measures that embody selectivity, polarization, demonization, politicization and double-standards.
Due to its small size and budget, Micronesia has only a delegation in New York but none in Geneva. We are concerned that a UN member state is effectively denied the right to participate in the vital day-to-day mechanisms of the UN human rights system, including this Council and the treaty bodies.
On the 10th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, we invite the host country, Switzerland, and the UN as a whole, to find ways and means to ensure the full participation of all UN member states, fulfilling the Charter’s promise of equality for all nations, large and small.
Thank you, Mr. President.
