Jordyn Arndt
Adviser
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
November 15, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chairperson.
The United States thanks Austria for bringing forward this historically significant and important resolution.
Consistent with this resolution, the United States affirms the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. We have appreciated the work of the Special Rapporteur in raising the level of awareness of and in giving added visibility to the human rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.
The United States understands distinctions based on grounds protected under national law, including language, to be permitted when such distinctions are, at a minimum, rationally related to a legitimate governmental objective. The United States further understands that States should be encouraged to consider ratifying or acceding to international instruments where doing so would be both available and appropriate.
We also refer to our general statement made on November 7.
Thank you, Chairperson.
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