‘I Have Repeatedly Urged The US To Close Guantanamo Bay’ – Pillay ‘s Opening Remarks At UNHRC Today
Human Rights Council 23rd Session; Opening Statement by High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay
May 28, 2013
Mr. President
Distinguished Members of the Human Rights Council,
Excellencies and colleagues,
Distinguished Members of the Human Rights Council,
Excellencies and colleagues,
It is, as ever, an honour to open this session of the Human Rights Council. I come to this task today in the hope that we will be able to spark tangible action to stop theescalating bloodshed and suffering in Syria, which after 26 months has become an intolerable affront to the human conscience.
Navi Pillay
What began as non-violent protests has spiralled into a brutal and increasingly sectarian civil war, to some extent fuelled by external actors. Civilians bear the brunt of this crisis in which human rights violations have reached horrific dimensions. Confronted with the flagrant disregard of international law and human life on every side, I feel utter dismay.
