Check against delivery Opening Remarks By H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow the President of the Human Rights Council At the Opening of the Third Session of the Forum on Minority Issues 14 December 2010 Palais des Nation, Room XX Madame Chairperson, Madame High Commissioner for Human Rights Madame Independent Expert on minority issues Distinguished delegates and participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my very great pleasure to address you this morning as we open this Third session of the Forum on Minority Issues. I want to begin by welcoming you all and especially those who have travelled far to take part in this important meeting. I also want to welcome the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the representatives of Member States, civil society, intergovernmental organizations and others. I know that many of you are representatives of minority communities, and I am particularly pleased that you are able to be here. We cannot address minority issues adequately, here in the United Nations or anywhere else, without the full and effective participation of minorities themselves. I am therefore delighted to see so many experts in the field of economic and social rights from all regions who 1