Moreover, it is at the stage of human rights violations that we must act to prevent escalation, not when mass atrocities are taking place. In this work, we count on the support of Member States, who should exercise their moral and political responsibility and take early action when confronted with evidence or known risk factors for atrocity crimes. Here, the Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner for Human Rights have a crucial role to play. This Forum and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues are clear demonstrations of the serious intent and commitment of the United Nations to protect the rights of minorities. The Forum has established itself as a unique platform for dialogue and guidance on minorityrelated issues. I welcome the high level of interest and participation in this year’s session of the Forum. I urge you to engage in a truly interactive dialogue, exchanging experiences and identifying opportunities and needs for future action. I wish you all success in your deliberations. 4