U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 14, 2020
AS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
Thank you, Chair. The United States is pleased to join consensus on the resolution outlining the Commission on the Status of Women’s program of work for the next several years.
We would like to thank the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago for its efforts to incorporate the wide range of views expressed during negotiations during its facilitation of the text, and the delegation of Armenia, as the Chair of CSW, for its leadership during the difficult operating environment we face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States wishes to express our disappointment in some member states’ disregard of process regarding the multi-year program of work. While the tabling of amendments is always permitted, a delegation effectively overturned a difficult compromise that had been reached after several delegations demonstrated significant flexibility in recognition of current operating procedures.
We also wish to highlight U.S. positions regarding some aspects of the resolution.
The United States is pleased that the resolution contains references to human rights, but is disappointed with the difficulty confronted in retaining this innocuous reference. Protecting and promoting the human rights of all women and girls is fundamental to the Commission’s mandate and work. Acknowledging this fact, particularly as we celebrate Beijing+25 and the 75th year of the UN’s founding, should not be controversial.
Regarding the resolution’s references to “climate change, natural disasters, and environmental challenges,” the United States submitted formal notification of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement to the United Nations on November 4, 2019. The withdrawal will take effect one year from the delivery of the notification. Therefore, references to climate change are without prejudice to U.S. positions.
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