The United States thanks the Third Committee Bureau and takes this opportunity to clarify our key priorities. We deliver this statement to address cross-cutting priorities and provide important points of clarification related to resolutions adopted during this entire session. As such, not all of these points pertain directly to this specific resolution under consideration. For further points of clarification, we refer you to the non-truncated version of our statement, which will be posted on the U.S. Mission’s website on the final day of the 77th session of the Third Committee.
We note that Third Committee resolutions do not change the current state of conventional or customary international law and do not create new legal obligations. The United States understands that any reaffirmation of prior instruments in resolutions applies only to those States that affirmed them initially.
Points of clarification with regards to:
2030 Agenda: The United States supports the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We note that the 2030 Agenda is a non-binding document that does not create rights or obligations under international law.
The “Right to Development”: The “right to development” does not have an agreed international meaning. Therefore, we continue to oppose references to this “right.”
Economic Social, and Cultural Rights: The United States is not a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. While the United States supports policies to advance respect for economic, social, and cultural rights both domestically and in our foreign policy, the rights contained in the Covenant are not justiciable in U.S. courts.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): The language in these resolutions does not inform the U.S. understanding of its obligations under the ICCPR.
Education: When resolutions call on Member States to strengthen various aspects of education, including curricula, we understand these texts consistent with our respective federal, state, and local authorities.
Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Religion or Belief: The United States strongly supports the freedoms of expression and religion or belief. We oppose any attempts to unduly limit the exercise of these fundamental freedoms.
Sanctions: The United States does not accept that sanctions are tantamount to violations of human rights. Among other legitimate purposes, targeted sanctions can play a valuable role in discouraging human rights violations and abuses, promoting accountability, and addressing threats to peace and security.
It is our intention that this statement applies to action on all agenda items in the Third Committee. Thank you.
Original source can be found here.
