The United States pursues an activist policy in defense of human rights, with a 24/7, round-the-clock, round-the-year, round-the-world mandate. This commitment dates back to the Declaration of Independence and reflects our nation's core values and our belief in the sanctity of the individual. This activist defense of human rights, in particular of civil and political rights, also serves our national interest, for the strongest, most stable, tolerant and prosperous countries are those which respect human rights. The United States has been recognized by everybody as the leader in this effort, setting the agenda and implementing a vision of international human rights since the end of World War II. We were the champions of freedom and democracy throughout the Cold War. The U.S. vision and commitment, which we have been advancing on a national basis, is now shared by many other states. President Bush has reiterated our commitment to human rights as a key part of our foreign policy. Public Diplomacy programs set forth for foreign audiences the U.S. vision of the key roles played by human rights and democracy. We will pursue our human rights policy regardless of whether we are on the Commission or not. Those laggards who rejoice in our removal will learn that we will be no less vigorous in our pursuit of this nation's human rights principles than we were in the past. Thank you.
(Excerpts from a statement by the US Department of State after the United States of America had been voted off the United Nations' Human Rights Commission in 2001)