Freedom House, the Democracy Coalition Project, and the Open Society Foundations convene a briefing on the importance of U.S. engagement at the UN Human Rights Council. Leading human rights defenders from Burma and Iran, and current and former ambassadors to the Human Rights Council will discuss the capacity of the council to address crisis situations as well as chronic human rights violations worldwide.
The panel will address recent Human Rights Council accomplishments and remaining challenges, including the appointment of a special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, and the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry on international crimes in Burma. Speakers will discuss the ways in which U.S. engagement and leadership has helped the council more effectively realize its mandate to protect and promote human rights.
Panelists
- Eileen Donahoe, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Hadi Ghaemi, executive director, International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran
- Thaung Htun, representative for UN affairs, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
- Carlos Portales, former Chilean Ambassador to Geneva / director, Program on International Organizations, Law, and Diplomacy, Washington College of Law, American University
- Paula Schriefer, advocacy director, Freedom House (moderator)
- Dokhi Fassihian, executive director, Democracy Coalition Project (opening and closing remarks)