Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will take part in the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council on February 29 in Geneva.

Jean-Marc Ayrault would like to reaffirm France's resolute commitment to the universality of human rights and lend our support to the Human Rights Council. This forum has been mobilizing the international community in the face of the most troubling human rights situations for more than 10 years. It helps place the defense of human rights at the forefront of international issues.

On this occasion, Jean-Marc Ayrault will meet with the UN secretary-general, the high commissioner for human rights, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the director general of the World Health Organization and the special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Syria.

Indian Ocean – André Vallini's participation in the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Commission (Réunion Island - February 25-26, 2016)

André Vallini, Minister of State for Development and Francophonie, will represent France at the 31st meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Commission, which is due to open on February 26. On this occasion, and on the 30th anniversary of our membership in this organization, our country will take over the presidency of the Indian Ocean Commission from Madagascar.

This the first international meeting that André Vallini will attend. He will present the three priorities of our presidency:

• security and the fight against terrorism;
• climate and environmental protection, with the implementation of the Paris Agreement;
• economic development, with the development of links between the islands of the Indian Ocean (notably in the air, marine and digital sectors).

During his visit to Réunion Island, André Vallini notably met with Béatrice Atallah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar on February 25. He visited the Red Cross Regional Intervention Platform, responsible for disaster relief in the southwest Indian Ocean, as well as the premises of the French Development Agency.

Iraq – Attacks in Baghdad (February 25, 2016)

France condemns the deadly attack against a mosque in Baghdad on February 25, 2016.

This heinous act is further evidence of the barbarity of Daesh, which targets civilian populations and attempts to increase sectarian tensions.

France extends its condolences to the victims' families and assures Iraq of its support in the fight against terrorism.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development – Launch of a Facebook account in Arabic

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development is strengthening its communication in Arabic and on social networks by launching a new Facebook account.

This account will provide French diplomatic news to the Arab-speaking public.

It will complement its already strong digital presence in Arabic. The Arabic version of the France Diplomatie portal provides original content relating to French foreign policy and practical information for students, tourists and investors. Our Twitter account has more than 150,000 followers, making Arabic our second most popular Twitter account after our French account.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development's digital communication tools now cover six main languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese). The ministry plans to add other languages in the coming months.

For more information, please visit:
- Website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/ar/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/france.diplo.arabic
- Twitter: @francediplo_ar