Issues has played an essential role in promoting minority rights as contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. For example, the Forum produces valuable guidance to human rights actors at the international, regional and national levels through a set of action-oriented recommendations, which are presented to the Council annually by the Special Rapporteur on minority issues. In this connection, I wish to emphasise that we have the opportunity, over the next two days, to actively contribute to this set of recommendations and build on the recommendations produced by the Forum at its previous sessions. I encourage you all to seize this opportunity to contribute to the promotion and protection of the human rights of minorities. Excellencies, Dear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, Before concluding, I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Human Rights Council to protect the rights and lives of all individuals who cooperate with the United Nations and its mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Council condemns any and all acts of intimidation or reprisal against such individuals and groups and I count on your cooperation in this important collective endeavour to make sure that all those who dare to speak, to raise alarm and to bravely defend the rights of their communities, are able to do so without any risk to themselves or to their communities. I wish you all a fruitful, constructive and inter-active dialogue over the next two days and another successful Forum on Minority Issues. Vinaka vakalevu and I Thank you. 4