The Voluntary Guidelines provide a set of principles and practices that can assist countries in establishing laws and policies that better govern land, fisheries and forests tenure rights, ultimately supporting food security and sustainable development.

“The U.S. supports policies that create more transparent, accountable, accessible, predictable and stable access to land, which will enable private sector investment,” said Dr. Gregory Myers, USAID Senior Advisor for Land Tenure and Property Rights and Chair of the Guidelines negotiation process. “The Voluntary Guidelines give countries a much-needed mechanism to protect rights and promote good land governance in a way that will encourage sustainable and responsible investment.”

Around the world, women, in particular, face major obstacles in accessing and obtaining rights to land. In many instances, a woman’s right to land comes through marriage and can be lost if her spouse dies. Where implemented, the Voluntary Guidelines will bring clarity of tenure rights for all people and will especially impact the lives of women.

Secure tenure rights create better environments for investments in agriculture, reduce land-related conflicts, promote improved natural resource management and address challenges related to climate change. Nations that consult the Voluntary Guidelines when drafting their property rights laws and regulations may achieve many of these benefits.

The United States is actively supporting improvements in land governance that strengthen the land and resource rights of local people and communities. In the past five years, USAID has funded $200 million in land tenure programming in 30 countries around the world.

The Voluntary Guidelines are the result of an unprecedented negotiation process that featured broad consultation and participation by 96 national governments, more than 25 civil society organizations, the private sector, nonprofits, and farmers’ associations over the course of almost three years.

Yemen’s transition represents an important step forward for the Yemeni people, who deserve the opportunity to determine their future. The United States strongly supports Yemen’s political transition and will continue to work with our international partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, to help Yemen chart a more secure, democratic, and prosperous path forward.

At the suggestion of civil society representatives from around the globe, Secretary Clinton agreed to:

· Facilitate U.S. diplomatic engagement with religious communities through expanded training and guidance for State Department officials;

· Build awareness for women’s rights in countries undergoing political transition and work closely with MENA region civil society groups and governments to make sure women’s rights are enshrined in their new constitutions and protected in practice;

· Institutionalize a platform for dialogue with representatives from labor and business groups at G-20 Summits;

· Develop new opportunities for south-south cooperation on labor issues; and

· Establish mission-based civil society working groups within the Dialogue to address issues of local and regional importance.

After her announcement, Secretary Clinton also answered questions from audience members and questions submitted via YouTube from activists overseas.

Secretary Clinton launched the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society in February 2011 to elevate U.S. engagement with civil society and underscore our commitment to supporting and protecting civil society around the world. Creating the Dialogue also fulfilled a commitment in the Department’s Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review to provide a framework for civil society involvement in policymaking.

The Dialogue operates through five working groups led by Senior Department officials and consisting of civil society representatives from around the world. The Dialogue’s working groups include democracy and human rights, governance and accountability, labor, religion and foreign policy, and women’s empowerment. They report to a Federal Advisory Committee that meets quarterly to review working group progress and recommend policy action directly to the Secretary.

Somalia stands at a critical moment in its history. One year ago, al-Shabaab controlled and terrorized large swaths of Somalia, millions were at risk of starvation, and the country’s leaders focused more on feuding amongst themselves than working to improve the condition of the Somali people. One year ago, in Nairobi, this Council delivered a blunt message to the TFG that it risked losing international support, if it did not get its act together and resolve its differences.

Today, Somalia is in a different and better place. But significant challenges lie ahead. The mandate of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) comes to an end in August 2012. Any delay or backsliding in implementing the transition is totally unacceptable. Somalia and the wider region cannot afford to revert to the endless cycles of violence and suffering that have plagued the country and threatened the region for decades.

There are, encouragingly, signs of promise for the country and its people. For the first time in a generation, Somalia has a solid plan for creating a functional state, and the conditions for its implementation continue to ripen. In the last few months, the TFG as well as other Roadmap signatories and the international community have taken important steps to implement the Roadmap to End the Transition, as defined by the Garowe Principles. A draft constitution has been circulated to the Roadmap signatories. Elders have been selected to appoint delegates to the Constituent Assembly and are meeting now to do so.

The security situation across the country has also improved. Areas on the outskirts of Mogadishu and the key cities of Beledweyne, Baidoa, and Huddur in southwestern Somalia have recently been liberated from al-Shabaab. The United States commends AMISOM and the Somali National Security forces for their significant military achievements and security gains. The sacrifices made by AMISOM and Somali troops are testament to their will and dedication to bring peace and stability to Somalia. Reflecting the improved security situation, the UN Political Office for Somalia has returned to Mogadishu. And though the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile, thanks to the actions of UN humanitarian agencies and NGOs and the generosity of the international community, the famine has substantially abated.

The unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2036 on February 22 this year, followed by the London Conference on Somalia, demonstrated the strong and unified commitment of the international community to Somalia’s future. The United States welcomes the upcoming Second Istanbul Conference on Somalia, which should push the political transition process further towards completion.

While Somalis, with international support, have made progress, we cannot afford to lose momentum. Critical and difficult work remains and the Somali people will hold the TFG, Roadmap signatories, and other stakeholders accountable for meeting the transition timetable. As the London Conference declared in February, the Kampala Accord deadline is firm: there must be no extension of the TFG’s mandate beyond August 20. The Constituent Assembly should convene to consider and adopt the interim constitution, setting the stage for other important steps, including the appointment of a new, smaller parliament and indirect elections of a speaker and president. Informing Somalis about the draft constitution and the Roadmap implementation process is fundamental to their ultimate success. But, as the Secretary General observes in his report, approval of the interim constitution by the Constituent Assembly will be the beginning, not the end, of the process.

Having noted some of the important progress achieved since this Council visited the region, let me now turn to the significant challenges ahead for Somalia. As we were tragically reminded only two weeks ago by the suicide attack against a parliamentary delegation in Dhusamareb and last month by the suicide bombing at the National Theater, al-Shabaab remains a major threat to the stability of Somalia. Its shocking and ruthless attacks on innocent civilians and its ongoing ban on 17 humanitarian organizations demonstrate its total disregard for the Somali people and disregard for human life. The United States condemns all al-Shabaab terrorist attacks that kill government officials and innocent civilians alike.

Because al-Shabaab will continue to perpetrate terrorism and exploit any opening to sow instability and derail progress in Somalia, expanding security and preventing al-Shabaab from regaining a foothold in stabilized areas is paramount. This requires AMISOM to be fully staffed so that it can fulfil its mandate. The African Union and additional troop contributors should quickly reach agreement on AMISOM’s Concept of Operations. Failure to do so will not only reflect negatively on AMISOM and the African Union, but worse, undermine the security of the Somali people. Moreover, Somali National Security Forces will figure prominently in expanded AMISOM operations, but are hampered by supply shortages and gaps in logistics capacity. Since 2007, the United States has contributed over $106 million to strengthen the Somali security sector. We urge all member states, especially new donors, to help the Somali people take the lead in providing for their own security and to coordinate bilateral support through the TFG-UN-AU co-chaired Joint Security Committee.

Continuing to pressure al-Shabaab and strengthening national and international security forces is necessary but not sufficient for lasting stability in Somalia. Criminal activity that finances terrorism, undermines domestic governance, and distorts the local economy must be addressed as well. In this regard, the United States strongly supports the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and will continue working with international partners and Somali leaders to end to the scourge of piracy. Similarly, kidnapping for ransom imperils Somalia’s progress and poses an increasing threat to all nations and their citizens. We must work together to strengthen law enforcement and other capacities to prevent hostage-takings and ensure that hostage takers cannot obtain ransoms.

Finally, although the United Nations declared the end of the famine in Somalia in February, the humanitarian situation in southern and central Somalia remains precarious. More than 2.5 million Somalis still need emergency assistance. There are over 980,000 Somali refugees, some of whom have lived in exile for over 20 years. We commend Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Yemen, and other countries in the region for hosting Somali refugees. Since 2011, the United States has committed $1.1 billion to the humanitarian emergency in the Horn of Africa, including more than $260 million expressly for Somalia. The international community must do more to provide immediate life-saving assistance, address the long-term needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and others affected by drought and conflict, and to build capacity in the region to mitigate the impact of future shocks that we know will come. Millions of lives are at stake.

Mr. President, I want to reiterate our strong support for AMISOM and commitment to work with the international community to help Somalia face these challenges and realize a brighter future. International support, however, cannot be taken for granted. During the next four months, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that Somalia concludes its transition on time, but the onus remains on Somalia’s leaders to seize this moment and establish a strong foundation for peace and stability. The people of Somalia, who have suffered too long, deserve nothing less.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Norway and the United States have enjoyed a longstanding friendship based on shared democratic values. Today, our countries are working together to solve some of the biggest challenges around the world. From helping to build a stable and secure Afghanistan, to addressing global health issues and increasing cooperation in the Arctic, the world is safer and more prosperous because of our efforts.

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States sends our deepest congratulations and best wishes for a year of peace, prosperity and happiness.

On May 16, 2012, Secretary Clinton hosted a Global Town Hall with Civil Society. The event reinforced the United States’ commitment to strengthening civil society and highlighted how the State Department’s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society, launched in February 2011, is integrating ideas from civil society into U.S. foreign policy. Following the Secretary’s prepared remarks, she answered questions from the audience and from members of civil society participating virtually at post viewing parties.  The Department also released a fact sheet on the actions taken in response to civil society policy recommendations.

Additional Resources on Civil Society

Statements by Secretary Clinton:

• Civil Society: Supporting Democracy in the 21st Century (Translation: عربي)
• Clinton Defends Civil Society, Internet Freedom and Democratic Elections at OSCE Ministerial (Translation: عربي)
• Remarks on the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society
• Remarks at the Launch of the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society

Fact Sheets:

• Secretary Clinton Acts on Policy Recommendations Developed by Civil Society
• Civil Society and Democracy Promotion in The Broader Middle East and North Africa
• Initiatives to Strengthen Civil Society and Provide Protection to NGOs Under Siege
• A Promise Kept: Lifeline – The Embattled NGOs Assistance Fund

Ugandan and other regional forces continue to pursue the LRA and keep its leadership on the run. The United States joins regional governments and the African Union in calling on abductees and remaining members of the LRA to depart the ranks of the LRA and peacefully surrender. Support is available to help those who defect and peacefully surrender to return to their home communities and build a new life.

While the capture of Acellam is an important step forward, the LRA continues to pose a deadly threat to civilians. The United States is committed to supporting the people and governments of the region in their collective efforts, in coordination with the African Union and United Nations, to protect civilians and end this threat. A small number of U.S. military advisors continue to assist Uganda and other regional forces pursuing the LRA and seeking to protect local populations. As President Obama has said, “it is part of our regional strategy to end the scourge that is the LRA, and help realize a future where no African child is stolen from their family and no girl is raped and no boy is turned into a child soldier.”

During World War II, Raoul Wallenberg could have chosen to live a life of comfort and safety with his loving family. Instead, he risked his life to save the lives of others. Raoul Wallenberg paid dearly for his brave choice and his actions speak to the core of our common humanity. As Americans, we are deeply grateful that Wallenberg said ‘yes’ when the United States War Refugee Board approached him on the idea of traveling to Budapest to try and save the largest remaining concentration of Jews in Europe. Amid so many missteps in responding to the Holocaust, encouraging Wallenberg to go to Hungary was one of the things we did right.

We return, decades later, to Wallenberg because his actions show timeless courage and a powerful and continuing relevance to the world we face today. They embody the democratic values that the United States and Sweden share. They embody the courage of the individual, of the dissenter, of the independent moral conscience in a world full of wrongs, of the hero who sees injustice and takes action. Wallenberg gave his life for his commitment to those values.

Wallenberg was a son of Sweden, but also a friend of America. We are honored to consider him one of our own – adding one more to the many ties that bind our nations together. The United States and Sweden work together with a shared mission of advancing human dignity and protecting universal rights around the world. Together, we supported the countries of Central and Eastern Europe as they made the impressive journey to become stable and prosperous members of the EU and NATO. Together we are supporting the people of the Middle East who are working to leave behind a history of oppression to create a future of economic hope, political freedom and human dignity.

Raoul Wallenberg’s life-giving legacy reminds us of a question that we should all be asking, amidst the daily business and the pull of our national interests: How do we ensure that every individual – regardless of race or religion – is able to live a life of freedom, a life with dignity and respect? How do we prevent the sins of history and our past failures to stop mass killings of civilians, from being repeated? How do we pass on to the next generation a sense of the importance of not being indifferent?

In seeking answers, we are fortunate to have as tireless a partner and as steadfast a friend as Sweden.

It is striking that, while he trained as an architect, Wallenberg left no building behind. Instead he left behind a legacy much more enduring than any physical structure or any physical monument. Today, the granddaughters and grandsons of those whom Wallenberg saved are building a better world as doctors and scientists, mothers and fathers, farmers, teachers, and legislators.

Among them is the late Tom Lantos, who championed human rights around the world from inside the United States Congress, and his grandson, Tomicah Tillemann, who is Secretary Clinton’s Senior Advisor for Civil Society.

Thus it is fitting that so many of the lives he saved, and the generations that followed, are being devoted to public service, promoting freedom, and defending those too powerless to defend themselves. To quote an old hymn, these deeds will his memorial be.

Today, in dedicating this Horse Chestnut tree, we remember Raoul Wallenberg, we show our gratitude, and we reaffirm our commitment to the legacy of humanitarian work that continues in this name. And we reaffirm, together once again, the importance of not being indifferent. Thank you.

Paraguay and the United States are united by our common democratic values and respect for individual rights and liberties. Together, we are working to deepen democratic institutions, strengthen human rights, combat crime, and promote effective, transparent governments and judicial systems.

As you celebrate this joyous occasion, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. We look forward to continuing to work closely together as partners for peace and prosperity. Tapevyaite (que disfruten este día).