US admits shortcomings in human rights record, vows improvements in report to UN commission

US admits human rights shortcomings in UN report

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has told the United Nations that America’s human rights record is less than perfect while stressing that the U.S. political system has built-in safeguards that promote improvements.

In its first-ever report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on conditions in the United States, the State Department said some minorities are still victims of discrimination. Despite progress in reforming past unfair policies and practices, the report said “work remains to meet our goal of ensuring equality before the law for all.”

Council members are required to review their rights records.

The U.S. had shunned the council until last year over its criticism of Israel and a membership that includes repressive regimes.