There are almost no pictures available from the past two days. I
would love to see pics from yesterday's Town Hall, but no luck. Anyway
This was an important event, pics or no pics.
Secretary Clinton Meets with Members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
January 27, 2012
Today,
Secretary of State Clinton met with Professor Dinah Shelton, President
of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and the
members of the Commission.
This is an historic moment for the
Commission, which welcomes three newly elected women Commissioners to
serve on the hemispheric human rights body. A principal and autonomous
organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commission
advances the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the
Americas. It impacts thousands of lives in the hemisphere through the
issuance of decisions and recommendations to OAS member states to
improve the human rights conditions in their countries.
Secretary
Clinton stressed the United States’ support for the work of the
Commission and its Rapporteurs. The visit also provided occasion for the
announcement of an increase in the United States’ financial support for
the Commission.
The Commission plays a unique role and is a model
for other regions. It investigates individual petitions that allege
violations of human rights and publishes special reports on individual
countries. It also promotes human rights through the work of its
Rapporteurs such as the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.
The Commission’s work has helped to protect and in many cases saved the
lives of those who work to advance human rights and advocate for the
needs of vulnerable populations.
The defense and promotion of
human rights is a foundation of the OAS, and the United States is
committed to continuing support of the Commission’s work and its
independence. Preserving the IACHR’s autonomy from political
interference is a pillar of our human rights policy in the region.
