High Commissioner for Human Rights Nabi Phillay addressed the opening of the twenty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council.

In her opening statement to the UN HRC, Navi Phillay stressed to all countries the benefits of ensuring universal protection of individuals and groups from abuse.

“Human rights violations are among the root causes of every type of instability and conflict, which means that every State has an interest in detecting gaps in its human rights protection,” she said.

Regarding the full UN rights machinery, she welcomed the increased attention to human rights by the Security Council, the body requested reports on the situation in the Central African Republic, Syria, Libya, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Korea.

In addition, she pointed out that OHCHR has also been active in following up with the Council's resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "I am encouraged by support from many Security Council members for formal consideration of the Commission of Inquiry’s report and its referral to the International Criminal Court," she added.

Including special discussions on ending female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and the safety of journalists, the 26th session of the Human Rights Council will tackle a variety of related issues and run through the 27th of June.

SOURCE: UN News Center