Speaker: Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen. In 1992, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Minorities to protect and promote minority rights. 30 years later, in 2022 we still have much to do. The declaration of the rights of the minorities to protect and promote minority rights is a chance for minorities to participate in the decision making process. But the reality of it is displeasing. And the people of Kurdish and other religions in Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran are still in a constant precarious humanitarian situation. Furthermore, we want to underline with great concern what is happening in Iran and the Kurdish areas. Unfortunately, 30 years later, hardly any changes can be seen in the Kurdish areas. The United Nations and its organs should play a more prominent role in promoting peace and reconciliation in the Kurdish regions. In the past several years, the promotion of the social and economic situation of the Kudish people have unfortunately been neglected. We want the Turkish use of armed forces against the civilian population, especially in [inaudible] to be stopped. We recommend that member states step up their humanitarian aid, especially in Kurdish areas like Afrin. Now, more than ever we need to protect human rights. We have to start now. Thank you.

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