Speaker: Thank you. Australia is strongly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights of minority peoples. And we thank the forum Secretary and Special Rapporteur for Minority Issues for organising this important forum. In considering the urgent situation faced by minority peoples, Australia is deeply concerned by the ongoing deliberate targeting of minorities by states, military regimes, terrorist groups and other armed actors. We are appalled by the over persecution of various minority groups throughout the world. Alarmed by more subtle assaults elsewhere on minorities through the repression of aspects of their distinct identities. We encourage states to meet their obligations, set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or other relevant international instruments in their territories. As well as to cooperate, to protect and promote these rights for minority groups globally. Australia notes the urgent need for greater participation and involvement of minorities in addressing crosscutting global challenges. From climate change to the pandemic response. The Australian government is committed to ensuring Australia's foreign policy reflects Australia's full identity and modern diversity and the rich heritage of First Nations people. We look forward to protecting this in future forums on minority issues as part of our contribution to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Australia remains steadfast in our support for the role of civil society including in fora such as today. Australia calls on states to respect the role that civil society facilitates in the achievements of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Thank you.