Speaker: The United States welcomes this opportunity to discuss how together we can
advance the human rights of members of minority groups and marginalized communities
around the world. The United States welcomes the contribution of the special rapporteur to
the minority issues report from his 2021 country visit to the United States to our own efforts
to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by members of minority groups and marginalized
communities.
We appreciate your acknowledgement of positive steps we've taken to ensure respect for
their human rights. The United States encourages other countries to accept visits from your
mandate which we did as part of our standing invitation to thematic special procedures. A
deep commitment to the advancement of the human rights of members of minority groups
and marginalized communities is a key component of our domestic and foreign policy. We're
working to address several issues you highlighted in your report. The United States has
advanced racial equity and support for underserved communities. Expanding efforts to
improve respect and tolerance for all. Protecting the right to freedom of religion and
expanding access to voting, narrowing the racial wealth gap, protecting sacred lands for
indigenous peoples and combating hate based violence. The United States is also improving
quality of life outcomes, enhancing ongoing covid-19 pandemic recovery initiatives and
promoting equal educational opportunity at all levels including through large investments in
the nations historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions. Now,
despite these positive steps there's more work to do to achieve equality for members of
minority groups and marginalized communities, we look forward to opening ongoing dialogue
and constructive engagement. Thank you.