Adoption of Human Rights Council Resolution on Freedom of Association and of Assembly
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 1, 2012
On
Thursday, the UN Human Rights Council recognized the critical
importance of the freedom of peaceful assembly and association. This
U.S. sponsored resolution reaffirms a basic truth: civil society plays a
central role in promoting and protecting the enjoyment of human rights,
but civil society can only serve the common good when the rights to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association are protected.
Progress
in the 21st century depends on the ability of individuals and
organizations to come together around shared goals; harness the power of
their convictions; and make societies more productive, transparent and
accountable. Over the last 18 months, however, we have seen governments
constrict civil society activism and increase their attacks against
civic-minded organizations and individuals. These crackdowns mark a
disturbing trend that requires global leadership.
The United
States was proud to work with fellow Core Group members – the Czech
Republic, Indonesia, Lithuania, the Maldives, Mexico, and Nigeria – to
advance this important and timely resolution, and we thank them for
their leadership and unflagging effort.
In New York last week, the
United States was also proud to stand with 15 countries and two
foundations that have joined us in supporting Lifeline, a rapid-response
assistance mechanism for embattled NGOs that puts the principles
endorsed by the resolution into action.
This resolution, and the
Lifeline fund, shows that we have many partners around the world alarmed
by these recent trends who are willing to support peaceful assembly and
association. This is a critical moment to redouble our efforts to stand
with civil society in the pursuit of democratic progress.
