The United Nations General Assembly, Dan Fogarty, ECOSOC Adviser for the United States, articulated the US position on the recently adopted resolution, “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.”
Fogarty began by welcoming international efforts to promote dialogue and intercultural exchange, noting the broad global acceptance of these concepts. He clarified that the US interprets “civilizations” in the resolution to be synonymous with “cultures,” thereby embracing cultural diversity and the organic processes of cultural exchange within and among societies.
Highlighting the principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Fogarty reiterated the foundational belief that human rights and fundamental freedoms stem from the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
He stressed that while cultural diversity is vital, it should not be conflated with state-controlled definitions or monopolies over cultural identity.
“We must be vigilant about how words like ‘civilization’ are used,” Fogarty stated, emphasizing that human rights are universal and applicable to all individuals. He firmly rejected any use of cultural characteristics to justify the repression of individuals or the erasure of marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ persons. Fogarty reminded all governments of their obligations to uphold human rights.
Concluding his remarks, Fogarty celebrated the multicultural foundation of the UDHR. He praised the collaborative efforts of its diverse team of drafters, who managed to unify on universal principles despite their varied backgrounds and worldviews. This achievement, he argued, serves as a testament to the power of intercultural dialogue in advancing human rights globally.
The United States’ stance, as articulated by Fogarty, underscores the importance of cultural dialogue while firmly rooting it in the universality of human rights, ensuring that cultural diversity is celebrated without compromising the rights and freedoms of individuals.
