Baroness Anelay said:

I welcome the beginning of the 31st session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the start of the Council’s second decade of action. Much has already been achieved but it remains vital that the HRC continues to promote and protect human rights through the rules-based international system. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid said today, we ignore the warning signs of instability at our peril.

It is my particular hope that we can secure a strong resolution that renews the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry in Syria. The UK will also call for a resolution on South Sudan that establishes a monitoring mandate to address the appalling violations in that country.

We will work tirelessly to promote the issues we have placed at the heart of the UK’s re-election campaign to the HRC, including supporting the EU-led resolution to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief.

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