AS DELIVERED

The U.S. will vote no on this resolution because we categorically reject its premise, its content has no basis in international law, and it does not serve the cause of advancing human rights. We reiterate the well-known and longstanding principle that it is the responsibility of states to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The text of this resolution is a direct challenge to the sovereign right of states to conduct their economic relations freely and to protect legitimate national interests, including taking related actions in response to national security concerns. It also attempts to undermine the international community’s ability to respond to acts that are offensive to international norms. Unilateral and multilateral sanctions are a legitimate non-violent means to achieve foreign policy, security, and other national and international objectives, and the United States is not alone in that view or in that practice.