Gilles Tonelli at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

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Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Gilles Tonelli gave a speech at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Monday 29 February, as part of the High-Level Segment at the 31st Session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is this year celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Mr Tonelli recalled the Principality’s commitment to the work of the Council and, more broadly, to the promotion and respect of universal human rights. In this regard, the Minister confirmed the country’s involvement in the humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, including hosting and caring for refugees in the Principality.

Mr Tonelli also focused on the Prince’s Government’s commitment to certain key issues such as children’s rights and the close relationship between climate change and human rights, as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.

In the margins of the Council, the Minister will meet the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Tuesday 1 March. Their meeting will cover the issue of cooperation between the Principality and the Office of the High Commissioner.