Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Franco-German Defense and Security Council (Berlin, March 31, 2015)
• United Nations – 28th session of the Human Rights Council (Geneva, March 2 to 27, 2015)
• Bangladesh – Murder of freelance writer Washiqur Rahman (March 30, 2015)
• Somalia – Attack in Mogadishu (March 27, 2015)
Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Franco-German Defense and Security Council (Berlin, March 31, 2015)
The Franco-German Council of Ministers will take place today in Berlin. On this occasion, Laurent Fabius, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Ursula von der Leyen will participate in a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to jointly prepare for the major upcoming strategic deadlines. The ministers will discuss the fight against terrorism, the situation in Ukraine and the strengthening of the Common Security and Defense Policy, in preparation for the European Council on June 25 and 26 devoted to defense issues.
United Nations – 28th session of the Human Rights Council (Geneva, March 2 to 27, 2015)
France welcomes the results of the 28th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Council notably adopted new resolutions denouncing the human rights situation in Syria, Iran and North Korea, and renewing UN follow-up procedures. The Council also examined the report on the investigation into abuses in Iraq, which documents serious violations, especially against persons belonging to religious minorities.
The Council also reaffirmed its attachment to the freedom of religion or belief and called on political and religious leaders to condemn all acts of violence and intolerance committed in the name of religion. The Human Rights Council established new monitoring mechanisms focusing on the right to privacy and on persons with albinism who face serious persecution in some countries.
Lastly, the 28th session provided an opportunity to raise the international community’s awareness – in the run-up to COP21 – of the impact of climate change on human rights, through the strengthening of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur responsible for this issue and the preparation of a contribution toward the 2015 Paris Climate Conference.
Bangladesh – Murder of freelance writer Washiqur Rahman (March 30, 2015)
France condemns the murder today in Bangladesh of freelance writer Washiqur Rahman. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
A month after the murder of blogger and author Avijit Roy, we call on the authorities of Bangladesh to shed full light on these appalling acts.
We reaffirm once again our attachment to the freedom of opinion and expression, including on the Internet.
Somalia – Attack in Mogadishu (March 27, 2015)
France condemns the attack perpetrated by the terrorist group al-Shabab on March 27 against a hotel in Mogadishu, which killed several people, including the Somali ambassador to the UN in Switzerland, and injured many others.
We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and assure the Somali authorities and people of our solidarity. The perpetrators of this barbaric act must be brought to justice.
France commends the efforts of the Somali army and security services as well as those of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to restore peace and security. Together with its partners, it stands alongside the government in its fight against terrorism.