The US Secretary of State John Kerry said the UN Human Rights Council has made "significant accomplishments" in changing the course of "bad actors", citing the cases of Sri Lanka and Myanmar as successes of the Council's engagement.
"Consider the indispensable role the HRC has played in encouraging leaders to live up to their promises and commitments in countries such as Burma and Sri Lanka, where there are opportunities for real change," Mr Kerry said, listing some achievements of the Human Rights Council.
"Consider the mountain of evidence we’ve compiled, detailing horrific human rights abuses by government forces and terrorists in Syria. The wheels of justice may not turn as rapidly as we would like, but the foundation for establishing justice is being prepared,
"Consider how the Commission of Inquiry created by this Council changed the conversation regarding the DPRK’s appalling record on human rights. As a result of the COI’s conclusions, the Security Council put the DPRK on its agenda – a clear condemnation of what’s happening in the country, and an important acknowledgement of the link between human rights and international security and peace,
"Make no mistake: these are significant accomplishments. The more the international community understands about specific human rights violations, the greater the pressure will be on bad actors to change course. And eventually – not always overnight, but eventually – that pressure often translates into the kind of change that saves lives and expands freedom."
The secretary of state said President Obama believes deeply in the Council's mission and recognises the importance of US engagement and leadership within it.
Mr Kerry hinted at America's own challenges in regards to its human rights record, but said the country has held itself accountable.
"[W]hat drives us are a set of universal values and aspirations. We in America know well that even in our own journey, there is still more work to be done. [...] Our journey has not been without great difficulty or, at times, contradiction. But I think we can fairly say that we have dared to discuss these challenges openly, and hold ourselves accountable, including through our free press and unyielding commitment to protecting freedom of expression," he said.
He said no country should remain free from scrutiny on human rights issue and pledged the US intends to remain involved in the work of the Council.
"The United States remains committed to this important mission, and we certainly intend to remain involved in the HRC, which is why we are running for re-election.
"When the stakes are as high as they are today – when people in every corner of the globe are denied rights they deserve – the HRC must live up to the standards upon which it was created. Together we must be a voice for those who are silenced by their leaders – a ray of light for those who spend their days locked away, without cause, in dark, dank cells – a source of hope for those who fear their suffering may never end. This is the kind of organisation the world desperately needs. And it’s the kind of organisation that will help all of our nations live up to the ideals we share."