including to promote minority rights in education and the effective participation of minorities in economic, political and social life, can be considered as vital to to fostering good governance, respect, mutual understanding as well as social cohesion and political stability within our diverse societies. This session of the Forum is particularly timely in addressing the issue of violence and atrocity crimes against minorities. It provides a space for an open debate and an opportunity to discuss challenges, but also practical solutions to improve the protection of minorities from violence and atrocity crimes everywhere. It will also undoubtedly contribute to identifying practical ways in which together we can achieve the objectives of ensuring inclusive, harmonious, multi-ethnic and multi-faith societies in which all may live peacefully in equality and security. I therefore look forward to the recommendations that will be the outcome of your important work during this session and that will be presented by the Special Rapporteur on minority issues to the Human Rights Council in March 2015. Before concluding, I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Human Rights Council to protect the rights and lives of individuals who cooperate with the United Nations and its mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Council condemns any act of intimidation or reprisal against such individuals and groups. As President of the Human Rights Council, I will thus continue to urge States to prevent and ensure adequate protection of those individuals against any such acts. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you all a fruitful, constructive and inter-active dialogue over the next two days and another successful Forum on Minority Issues. Thank you.