communication where all of our voices can be heard. So we can realize that our
problems, aspirations and hopes from life are the exact same regardless our
identity. We want to live with human dignity and in peace. And we must re-built
our trust and faith in each other and in our institutions.
I recognize that we live in an increasingly insecure world in which anyone can
become a target without having any interest or direct involvement in politics,
conflicts or war. Innocent people, mothers going to church, mosque, temple,
funeral, wedding, concert, restaurant or for a walk can become a victim of
violence, including sexual violence, and incomprehensive, senseless and ruthless
attacks. But we should not let us being trapped in simplified narratives and
generalizations and start to fear, question and eventually hate our very own
neighbours who might look, speak or pray differently. Fear is often forcibly and
manipulatively constructed by the media and we must resist that this often
distorted picture of reality defines our thinking and our actions.
I hope that you leave this Forum with a positive spirit, feeling enriched and
inspired to continue your important work on minority rights. There is a long way
to go but I believe the recommendations of this Forum also show us some light
and will help guiding us through to improve our justice systems so it becomes
just, equal, fair and respectful to the human rights and human dignity of all of us.
The Forum is indeed the only place in the UN where we can talk about minority
issues so openly, candidly, where minority communities once a year can come
for only 2 days to get their voices heard and I do hope that you value this as a
special privilege we al have. I thank Member States for listening patiently and
having replied in peaceful and constructive manners and also for civil society
organizations for speaking in the cooperative and friendly spirit of the Forum.
Let me thank our Chair for his excellent leadership of this Forum, the Secretariat
and my team in the background who have been working extremely hard for
several months to make this Forum run smoothly and successfully and our
interpreters for ensuring that we can indeed not only listened to but understand
each other.
With this, I thank you once again for being here and I am looking forward to
continuing working with each and all of you for the benefits of minorities
worldwide.