Reception by B’nai B’rith International and B’nai B’rith Europe
to mark their participation in the Human Rights Council

Ambassador King
Mr. Jacobs [President of B’nai B’rith International]
Mr. Mariaschin [Vice-President B’nai B’rith International]

Thank you for the kind invitation to join you this evening to mark the participation of B’nai B’rith in the Human Rights Council. It is my privilege to represent the Director-General, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and to deliver his message as follows:

“The association between our organizations goes back to the signing of the Charter in San Francisco 68 years ago, where B’nai B’rith was present. Much has changed in the intervening decades, but diversity, tolerance and mutual respect remain the foundation for peace and development. We stand united in our global mission to create a better world based on these shared values. I appreciate, therefore, your continued commitment to the United Nations, and your active engagement in its work.

Turning to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Human Rights Council has been at the forefront of international efforts to highlight abuses in situations of conflict and instability.

Dedicated civil society voices have been indispensable to these efforts, and I commend B’nai B’rith, and human rights defenders across the world, for their involvement in the work of the Council.”

This was the end of the Director-General’s message.

I join him in wishing you a productive session of the Council and a most enjoyable evening.

Thank you very much.