“Chamber Ensemble with Young Korean Virtuosos in Geneva”

Ambassador Kyong-Lim Choi,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

“Why human rights and music?” The answer may not be apparent this evening even as we prepare to celebrate through music the presidency of the Human Rights Council by the Republic of Korea. After all, what can musical notes really do to end the suffering of so many? When you take a closer look, however, you will find that music plays a vital role in the great struggles for human dignity and freedom. It provides hope to victims, consoles survivors and educates the wider public. It also serves as a refuge for the oppressed and as a rallying cry for resistance. It has done so since before the operas of Verdi, the protest songs of the US Civil Rights Movement and the Rock-and-Roll anthems of the Cold War. Today, rap and other musical styles are continuing this noble tradition.

If music comforts victims and inspires activists, the Human Rights Council is where their voices, as well as those of Member States and civil society, can be heard. Since it was established in 2006, the Council has grown into the leading forum on human rights, whose more than 1,000 resolutions shape global norms. Its Universal Periodic Review mechanism is a cornerstone of human rights and brings global attention to problems in all 193 Member States.

As a global hub for international cooperation for over 150 years, Geneva offers the perfect environment to pursue and promote dialogue on human rights. The shores of Lake Geneva are home to not only the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, but to NGOs dedicated to the defence of our common dignity. Human rights are at the heart of our activities here in Geneva and are central to the United Nations as a whole. Without a firm engagement to take concerted action on human rights, we cannot fulfil the founding vision of this Organisation.

Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Choi for his role in furthering human rights. As President of the Council, you made lasting contributions to a body that is increasingly prominent and respected. I would also like to thank the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea for giving us the chance to meditate on human rights as we listen to marvellous performances from the Kumho Asiana Soloists. I know their music will inspire us all in our collective efforts to make the world more humane and just.

Thank you very much.