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This computer file is the property of Steven Rachwal
Design. Steven Rachwal Design maintains ownership
of this computer file at all times, and only authorizes
the use of this file to make film and printing plates
one time. Any additional use of this file, whether for
sales, alterations or copying is strictly prohibited with-
out written permission and fair compensation to
Steven Rachwal Design.
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SUMMER 2001
The US habit of truth telling in the
United Nations about human rights
violations was surely an important
basis of some countries’ decisions.
— The United States has been an active member of the United
Nations Human Rights Commission from its founding in . But in May, the US
suffered a highly publicized defeat when it failed to poll the votes needed to win one
of the three seats allocated to Western countries. Instead, three members of the
European Union (EU) won the seats allocated to the Western Group (WEOG, as it
is called in UN circles): France with votes out of a possible , Austria with
votes and Sweden with . The US, trailing with votes, was eliminated.
Various explanations were offered for this defeat. Many emphasized the wide-
spread disagreement in the world body with various US policies, including the
Kyoto treaty, the International Criminal Court and the Land Mine Treaty. Others
pointed out widespread disagreement with the Bush administration’s decision to
construct a missile defense and abrogate the ABM Treaty with the now nonexistent
Soviet Union.
None of these discussions took account of the significant fact that, during the
same week, the US candidate, Ambassador Herbert Okun, was defeated in his effort
to win reelection to a seat on the International Narcotics Control Board. In that
election, on May , the member states of ECOSOC (Eco-
nomic and Social Council) voted among candidates to fill
five vacancies without regard to regional distribution. Once
again, three EU countries — Austria, Netherlands and
France — were elected as were Peru and India.
In the case of both the Human Rights Commission and the
Narcotics Control Board, the outcome was a surprise since the number of written
confirmations of intended support for the US candidate was substantially higher
than the number of votes actually cast.
Some observers in and out of the United Nations explained the failure of the US
to win a Human Rights Commission seat as a consequence of its hard-hitting
human rights policies, especially this year, when American delegates spearheaded
efforts to discuss repression in both China and Cuba. This, of course, is what a
Human Rights Commission should discuss.
Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.), chair of the House International Relations Commit-
tee, described the vote as “a deliberate attempt to punish the US for its insistence that
Europe Was Behind US Defeat at the United Nations
JEANE KIRKPATRICK US U N
R R’ .
This computer file is the property of Steven Rachwal
Design. Steven Rachwal Design maintains ownership
of this computer file at all times, and only authorizes
the use of this file to make film and printing plates
one time. Any additional use of this file, whether for
sales, alterations or copying is strictly prohibited with-
out written permission and fair compensation to
Steven Rachwal Design.
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SUMMER 2001
China has suggested that the
time has arrived for the US to
“stop using human rights issues
as a tool to pursue its power
politics and hegemonism.”
the commission tell the truth about human rights abuses whenever they occur.” I
think he’s right. The US habit of truth telling in the United Nations about human
rights violations was surely an important basis of some countries’ decisions. So is the
US’ regular opposition to unfair attacks on other members — such as Israel.
The records of repression matter as more and more governments that are
themselves infamous human rights violators have managed to get elected to the
Human Rights Commission (thereby acquiring votes), e.g.: Libya, Syria, Sudan,
Sierra Leone and Uganda. China and Cuba are also members.
The ambassador of France has attributed the success of his country in the Human
Rights Commission to the fact that France’s foreign policy is founded on “dialogue
and respect.” By implication, the US failure is based on their absence. China agrees.
China has suggested that the time has arrived for the US to “stop using human rights
issues as a tool to pursue its power politics and hegemonism.” It will be possible to
do that when China stops using its power to violate its citizens’ human rights. I hope
that US policy remains based on empathy for the repressed.
The US has no friends among those countries that regularly
repress their citizens — and not many friendly associates.
The vote in the Human Rights Commission makes one
wonder if the United States has reliable friends and allies among
the democracies.
There is not much question that the distance between the US
and its NATO allies has grown in the last decade. The European
press shows its displeasure in a steady stream of articles highly
critical of the US and the “American way.” The criticism has intensified since the
inauguration of George W. Bush, who undertook to move America rightward at a
time when all but two of the member states of the EU have Socialist governments.
I think it is clear that the rapid consolidation of the EU already has had a negative
impact on US relations with several continental European countries in the United
Nations. Traditionally, the US has had close relations with some — but not all — EU
members, but now it has become difficult for a US representative to discuss an issue
or make common cause with a representative of an EU country.
There is a widespread belief among informed Americans that our allies played a
significant role in the US defeat in the Human Rights Commission. It is a fact that
if either Sweden or Austria had stepped down in favor of the US, we would have won
a seat. That is how friends, allies and affinity groups operate in the United Nations
to achieve common cause.
This computer file is the property of Steven Rachwal
Design. Steven Rachwal Design maintains ownership
of this computer file at all times, and only authorizes
the use of this file to make film and printing plates
one time. Any additional use of this file, whether for
sales, alterations or copying is strictly prohibited with-
out written permission and fair compensation to
Steven Rachwal Design.
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SUMMER 2001
President George W. Bush’s European
trip in June took place against a
backdrop of conversation — in the
media, in academia and in diplomatic
circles — that speaks of a “values
gap” between America and Europe.
The US will never be able to achieve or even work toward our goals in the United
Nations if, in addition to opposing our adversaries, we must also compete with our
best friends. Our one vote can never win against the EU’s .
▲
— President George W. Bush’s European trip in June took place
against a backdrop of conversation — in the media, in academia and in diplomatic
circles — that speaks of a “values gap” between America and Europe. The alleged
gap is said to be differences between the United States and Europe over issues such
as the death penalty, gun control and genetically modified foods. Some even say
there’s a “strategic split”— over such issues as land mines,
global warming and missile defenses. The premise of the
argument is that, no longer bound together by the threat of
Soviet communism, America and Europe are growing apart.
Some go a step farther and posit that we are destined to
become adversaries instead of allies.
The president and his administration fundamentally reject
this premise. Europe and the US are partners today. We will
continue to be partners tomorrow and the day after — strong partners. Not because
of destiny, but by choice. Not because of the inertia of our common history, but
because of our common interests and, indeed, our common values.
There Is No Strategic Split With Europe
CONDOLEEZA RICE US P
G W. B. B E M, J ,
E .
