The United States will work to form "a democracy caucus" at the upcoming session of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, according to the Department of State March 12.

"We encourage democratic governments in each regional group to present themselves as candidates for the Commission and urge democracies to support the election of other democracies," the State Department said.

The U.S. said that commission reform "must focus on membership in the Commission, where human rights violators have succeeded unacceptably in winning election as members."

This year's session of the Human Rights Commission runs from March 15 to April 23. The United States will be represented by Ambassador Richard S. Williamson of Illinois.

Department of State
Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 12, 2004

60th U.N. Commission on Human Rights March 15 -- April 23, 2004, Geneva

The United States looks forward to participating vigorously in the 60th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in order to fulfill the Commission's mandate of strengthening human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world, giving voice to the voiceless, and holding members of the United Nations to account for human rights practices. We also look forward to working with new High Commissioner Louise Arbour to promote human rights and democracy in tangible ways.

President George W. Bush has appointed Ambassador Richard S. Williamson of Illinois to represent the United States at this year's session in Geneva.

The U.S. is committed to an effective Commission, one that takes concrete steps that result in real improvement for human rights worldwide. This year we will focus on 1) upholding international scrutiny of human rights violators, 2) encouraging the formation of a democracy caucus, 3) encouraging election of members with strong human rights records, and 4) improving procedural mechanisms.

We believe that initial steps toward reform must focus on membership in the Commission, where human rights violators have succeeded unacceptably in winning election as members. We encourage democratic governments in each regional group to present themselves as candidates for the Commission and urge democracies to support the election of other democracies.

We are supporting the formation of a democracy caucus in order to build a coalition of democratic countries that would work together to strengthen the UN's handling of democracy and human rights issues. We will be joining with other members of the democracy caucus to sponsor a resolution to enhance the UN's work in the promotion of democratic values.