AS DELIVERED

The United States thanks Peru for its work on and constructive approach to the resolution “Promoting Social Integration through Social Inclusion.”

However, we must dissociate from the portion of preambular paragraph 26 which refers to fulfillment of all commitments. We do not believe that this language on market access and debt relief is relevant to this resolution, the purpose of which is to highlight vulnerable minorities. The United States reiterates its view that UN resolutions, particularly Third Committee resolutions, are not appropriate for a for discussing trade issues.

As we have stated in other fora, we understand that the referenced language can only intend to refer to duty free quota free – DFQF – market access, and is a call for the United States to fulfill its so-called “commitment” under the Hong Kong Declaration on DFQF. The wording is prejudicial to our negotiating position on DFQF in Geneva and other fora, and we have consistently stated that we cannot accept it.

We note that if the United States were to grant DFQF to all least developed countries, LDCs, some of those countries would be disadvantaged because they would lose their preference margin over other more competitive LDCs. The argument that fulfilling the so-called DFQF “commitment” would somehow promote social integration and social inclusion in every country is not credible.

We also again note that the primary responsibility for protecting the rights of vulnerable minorities and other excluded groups rests with states with regard to persons within their borders. Lack of economic development cannot be used as a shield or an excuse for states’ failure to protect human rights.

With regard to this resolution’s references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we addressed our concerns in a statement delivered earlier today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.