Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights

Statement by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Human Rights Council – 52nd Session

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your report highlighting the importance of protecting and respecting the cultural rights of migrants, notably the focused attention on forced migrants and members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities, including people of African descent, and other underrepresented groups.

Migrants experience many challenges and threats, including systemic racism, human trafficking, discrimination, and xenophobia. Institutional challenges can threaten migrants’ ability to access, practice, maintain, and transmit living cultural resources.

The United States reaffirms the need to respect human rights, including cultural rights, in all aspects of migration management and in line with the commitments made under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

Recognizing the challenges that members of vulnerable populations face, we strive to advance equity to create a space in which members of society can celebrate and contribute their diverse cultural and religious heritage.

We remain committed to supporting safe, orderly, and humane migration and recognize our shared responsibilities to ensure the enjoyment of human rights, including cultural rights, for all.

Madam Special Rapporteur, how can we best defend the cultural rights of migrants in vulnerable situations?

I thank you.

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