Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, met today with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

He reaffirmed to him France's unwavering support for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which exercises oversight and provides early warning information, as well as technical assistance, in order to improve respect for human rights all over the world.

Jean-Marc Ayrault and Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein also took stock of the most troubling human rights situations. The minister reaffirmed France's resolute commitment to the fight against impunity and in particular the importance of ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against humanity and war crimes are brought to justice. In this respect, he reaffirmed the fundamental role of the International Criminal Court.

Israel / Palestinian Territories – Visit by Jean-Marc Ayrault (May 15, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories on May 15.

He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas in order to discuss France's initiative to relaunch the peace process. He will express to them France's solidarity and friendship with the Israeli and Palestinian people and will reaffirm France's determination to help give fresh impetus to the peace process.

In this context, Jean-Marc Ayrault will discuss with his interlocutors preparations for the ministerial meeting in Paris on May 30 which will bring together a group of states committed to a just and lasting peace that will involve the implementation of the two-state solution. This meeting will provide an opportunity to prepare for an international conference, to which the Israelis and the Palestinians will be invited.

China – Visit by Jean-Marc Ayrault to Beijing (May 16, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will visit Beijing on May 16.

He will meet with Prime Minister Li Keqiang and will discuss with his counterpart, Wang Yi, the main aspects of our bilateral relations as well as major international issues. He will also meet with Liu Yandong, Vice Premier, and with Yang Jiechi, State Councilor responsible for Foreign Affairs.

During his visit, Jean-Marc Ayrault will inaugurate the French International School of Beijing. He will meet with French economic actors as well as with the French community in China.

Syria – Jean-Marc Ayrault's participation in the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (Vienna - May 17, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will visit Vienna on May 17 in order to take part in the ministerial meeting of the International Syria Support Group.

The minister had requested that this meeting be held in order to mobilize the international community.

France has three goals: compliance with the cessation of hostilities throughout the Syrian territory, including in Aleppo; respect for international humanitarian law, which means putting an end to the attacks against civilians and granting free access for humanitarian assistance; lastly, the start of the political transition as provided for under UNSCR 2254.

Estonia – Visit Harlem Désir (Tallinn - May 13-14, 2016)

Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, will visit Tallinn from May 13 to 14. He will attend the opening session of the 10th Lennart Meri Conference devoted to security issues in Europe, which is being held under the patronage of Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

During his visit, Harlem Désir will meet with Marina Kaljurand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the development of our bilateral relations, notably our economic relations, as well as key European and international issues

Libya – Harlem Désir attending ministerial conference in Vienna (May 16, 2016)

Minister of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir will represent France at the Vienna Ministerial Meeting for Libya on May 16.

This important meeting will be attended by Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj and members of the Libyan Presidential Council, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Libya, and representatives of more than 20 countries and international organizations.

It will allow the international community to reaffirm its support for Mr. Sarraj, his government and the national reconciliation process in accordance with the Skhirat agreement. As Mr. Sarraj announces important decisions for Libya's future, the international community must provide him with all necessary support, particularly with regard to counterterrorism, securing the borders, and combating drug and human trafficking.

Human rights – International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17, 2016)

On May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development will host a debate at the Quai d'Orsay on the topic "How can we promote equal rights?" It will be attended by associations and activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights. Jean-Marc Ayrault, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will be in China, but he will address guests by video message. This debate will be open to the public and moderated by journalist Olivier Ravanello.

France stresses that equal dignity and rights must be respected for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This battle is a priority in our diplomatic effort on human rights.

France is working hard to defend the rights of LGBTI individuals who are still victims of violence, discrimination and basic human rights violations. In more than 70 countries, homosexual relations are still criminalized and subject to prison sentences or even the death penalty.

For more information, visit http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/droits-de-l-homme/actualites-et-evenements-sur-le-theme-des-droits-de-l-homme/actualites-2016-sur-le-theme-des-droits-de-l-homme/article/journee-mondiale-contre-l-homophobie-et-la-transphobie-debat-comment-promouvoir.