Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Reem Alsalem 

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America 

As Delivered by Meryn Schneiderhan

Human Rights Council – 50th Session 

June 20, 2022 

The United States strongly supports extending this critical mandate for another three years.

We remain committed to continuing to tackle issues of violence against women at home and abroad.

In November 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.

Additionally, the 2022 Violence Against Women Act expands special criminal jurisdiction of tribal courts.  It recognizes Tribal authority to prosecute non-Indian defendants for domestic or dating violence, violations of certain protection orders, sexual violence, child violence, sex trafficking, stalking, obstruction of justice, and assault of tribal personnel in their Tribal communities.  It also increases culturally appropriate support services for survivors.

As we advance these efforts at home, we remain deeply worried about the situation of women and girls in Ukraine, including indigenous women and girls.  We are appalled by reports of alleged sexual violence perpetrated by Russia’s forces.

We also remain gravely concerned about the series of measures the Taliban has taken to restrict the ability of women and girls to exercise their human rights in Afghanistan and reports of reprisals.

Question:  Given access challenges, what can we do to document these actions?

I thank you.