And finally, I would like to welcome all participants – representatives of Member States, United Nations specialized agencies, human rights mechanisms and bodies, international and regional organizations, national human rights institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations, academics and experts. Excellencies, Dear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, This Forum is a unique venue to reflect on issues pertaining to the enjoyment of all human rights by minorities through dialogue and cooperation between all stakeholders. The theme of this Forum, conflict prevention and the protection of the human rights of minorities, could not be timelier. Indeed, over the past decade conflicts across the globe have increased dramatically, and within affected communities minority groups are often the most vulnerable, overlooked and neglected in times of crises. As President of the Human Rights Council I would like to take a moment to highlight that the Council has taken significant action to ensure that human rights and minority issues remain firmly on the Council’s agenda, all of which can enrich the discussions occurring today. Indeed, the Council has ensured the continuation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues who is tasked with, inter alia, promoting the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, examining ways to overcome existing obstacles to the full and effective realization of the rights of persons belonging to minorities and identify best practices and possible for technical cooperation with the OHCHR, at the request of governments, on this issue. In addition, the Council established, through Council decision 24/118, a Special Fund that supports the participation of civil society in a number of Forums, when health restrictions allow, including this one. Finally, the Council established this Forum in 2007 to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. And, since its establishment, the UN Forum on Minority 3