of mutual understanding of minority issues. Education is an issue which engages us all as we strive to promote and protect the rights of children from all communities, especially the most disadvantaged. Our gathering today is also recognition for the need to collectively reinforce our efforts to meet the goal of the full realization of the rights of persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The Human Rights Council looks forward to study the thematic recommendations which will be submitted by the Independent Expert in her forthcoming Report to the next session of the Council in March 2009. Let me conclude by wishing you every success in your deliberations and work and pledging the full support of the Human Rights Council to this endeavour. Thank you.

Select target paragraph3