The United States is pleased to welcome last night's resolution, adopted by consensus, of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly to reaffirm the importance of strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System.

The independent and respected Inter-American Commission on Human Rights – a founding pillar of the Western Hemisphere’s human rights architecture – is stronger and more capable as a result of the decision of all OAS member states to seek full financing for its operations and to strengthen its rapporteurships. As a reflection of our strong support for the Commission’s efforts, the United States also announced yesterday a $1 million contribution to support its operational costs, and we encourage other member states to do the same.

The defense and promotion of human rights is a founding principle of the OAS. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights impacts thousands of lives in the hemisphere through the issuance of decisions and recommendations to OAS member states to improve the human rights conditions in their countries. The United States is committed to sustaining the Commission’s work and its role in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the Americas.