Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation meets with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Minister Dastis and the High Commissioner reviewed some of the aspects of particular interest for Spain on the agenda of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council, which will be held in Geneva over the coming weeks. Spain will pay close attention to issues relating to the fight against the death penalty, the rights of persons with disabilities and the protection of defenders of human rights, since these are priorities of Spain's foreign policy in the area of human rights.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation reiterated to the High Commissioner Spain's firm commitment to his office and his mandate, which comprises the respect for and defence of his independence and political and financial support for his office. The UNHCHR, in turn, thanked Spain for its commitment to human rights and its support for his office.

Minister Dastis also informed the High Commissioner of certain aspects of Spain's candidature to the Human Rights Council for the period 2018-2020. Spain assigns great importance to forming part, for the second time, of the main United Nations body on the matter of human rights. Among Spain's main assets for holding this position on the Council is its proven capacity for dialogue and communication.