The longest in the Human Rights Council’s history (from 27 February to 4 April 2023), the 52nd Session began with a High-Level Segment (HLS), included updates by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, held 9 panel debates, considered more than 80 reports and adopted 43 resolutions.
Albania was represented at the High-Level Segment by H.E. Ms. Megi FINO, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The delegation was actively engaged in debates, side events, and the consideration of draft resolutions, including as a member of the core groups presenting a resolution on advancing human rights in South Sudan and a resolution on the contribution of the Human Rights Council with regard to the human rights implications of drug policy.
The Albanian delegation delivered the following statements:
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Statement by H.E. Ms. Megi FINO
Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs
at the High-Level Segment of the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Geneva, 2 March 2023
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to express our sincere thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families of the deadly train accident that occurred in Greece, our dear neighbor.
Last month another tragedy occurred, the deadly earthquake hitting parts of Turkiye and Syria, we have provided our assistance and help from the very first moment and will continue to do so in any way we can.
It is indeed significant to be able to address the High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council during such pressing times, on global issues of great concern to humanity, peace and stability, which have shaken the whole World order but increased, on the other hand, the unanimity on dealing with them.
This year we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this jubilee year, we hope to witness a free, sovereign Ukraine in its entire territorial integrity.
Unfortunately, this year we are experiencing another anniversary, that of the Russian Federations illegal and unjustified aggression against Ukraine. From the outset, Albania as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, together with the United States of America, submitted a resolution strongly condemning this unjustified and illegal aggression.
As one of the states that referred the situation of Ukraine to the International Criminal Court, Albania has supported and will continue to support in the pursuit of accountability. In much the same vein, Albania supports the initiative to set up a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Similarly, we firmly believe that the Human Rights Council can contribute significantly in dealing with any crisis, as in the case of Ukraine or others which demonstrate violations of human rights throughout the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, though a document emerged from the atrocities and destruction of the Second World War, remains an inspiring document to this day, and for decades has produced the adoption of a series of human rights conventions and mechanisms to be implemented. It constitutes a flexible framework responding to the reality, concerns and challenges of the 21st century, which consequently affect the rights of individuals and societies.
This is a good moment to turn our attention to the human rights situation, not only because of the large number of people who need protection of their rights, but also because human rights are under even greater pressure. Their legitimacy has been attacked, their importance has been called into question, their effectiveness has often been rejected.
Dear participants,
Albania, in addition to the ratification and implementation of all treaties and international conventions on human rights within the UN, has established the principles of respect for human rights at the foundation of its foreign policy and demonstrates this in its activity within the international organizations, that it forms part of.
As a member of the Human Rights Council during the term 2015-2017, Albania has rendered its contribution on the global commitments to issues such as the rights of national minorities, intolerance and discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, disabilities, or any other kind. We have also actively promoted gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the rights of groups at risk, because of any discrimination.
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the term ‘22-23, Albania will continue to be vocal on defending and promoting human rights all over the world. We have the absolute conviction that respect for human rights should form the basis for preventing crises, violence and conflicts and help build and maintain peace. History has shown, clearly and repeatedly, that human rights violations are the first warning sign of more serious situations that escalate into armed conflicts.
The Republic of Albania remains strongly committed to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, as a valuable instrument of dialogue on human rights, which provides a unique opportunity for meaningful progress in national human rights policies.
We recognize the crucial role played by human rights defenders in upholding human rights. It is important for all of us to create and enforce the legal framework that can protect and support those who stand for human rights and to ensure that their voices continue to be heard. The repression against freedom fighters, which particularly affect women, must stop. Iranians, women, and men, have the right to freedom and justice.
Our country supports the integration of human rights into the UN agenda. The objectives of the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals are directly related to human rights and we obviously place a great importance on them.
The SDG Agenda of 2030, as an agenda which aims the transformation of the World, constitutes a very good basis to continue our efforts and commitments for the promotion and protection of human rights, and, especially, the respect for women’s rights and their empowerment, gender equality, fight against violence against women and domestic violence, respect and promote children’s rights, the rights of national minorities and vulnerable groups, by taking concrete measures to guarantee the rights embodied in the Universal Declaration and international conventions on human rights.
Gender equality and the empowerment of Albanian women and girls for years have been the key objectives of the Albanian Government. The advancement of gender equality and combating violence and discrimination, in all its forms remains Albania’s priority.
Being deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad, Albania has decided to present its candidacy to the Human Rights Council for the term 2024-2026. Albania wishes to contribute further to a more dynamic and efficient Human Rights Council and above all, preserve its credibility, independence, and effectiveness of the Council, as one of the most important bodies in supporting and advancing human rights universally. We strongly believe that HRC member countries should be elected due to their merits and contribution to the protection and promotion of human rights.
If elected, Albania’s overarching goal is to work within the HRC and more broadly UN System, to ensure universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals without distinction, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.
And with this presentation of Albania’s candidacy to the HRC, I would like to close my address to the High-Level Segment of this Council with the strong belief that Albania will have your support in carrying out this major global obligation successfully.
Thank you for your attention.
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HRC52 – Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Geneva, 6 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. The sharply deteriorating human rights situation, the absence of encouraging developments and the fact that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, make for a grim account.
That the Special Rapporteur reiterates the recommendations outlined in his initial report is dispiriting. It seems that the justifiably horrified reactions from around the world to Afghanistan’s descent into authoritarianism have had no effect on the course set by the Taliban – a course of regression, repression, and relentless erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s intention to dedicate his next thematic report to the situation of the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, for nowhere in the world have the violations of women and girls’ rights and freedoms been more drastic than under Taliban rule, in the 1990s and now. We share the Special Rapporteur’s concern about the commission of international crimes as the Taliban pursue their systematic attempt to erase women and girls from all spheres of social, economic, political and public life, or the widespread and systematic attacks against minorities. And we stand ready to engage with the Special Rapporteur to help Afghans find the space to breathe, as they stand up to the de facto authorities for their human rights.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights on advancing the human rights in South Sudan
Geneva, 7 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
Albania thanks the members of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for their outstanding work in documenting the human rights situation in South Sudan. We also wish to thank the South Sudanese authorities for facilitating the Commission’s missions in the country.
The situation in South Sudan is alarming. An estimated 9.4 million of the most vulnerable will need urgent life-saving assistance and protection this year, out of a population of 11.5 million. The suffering across the country is immense, and the violence against civilians is shocking in its brutality and scale, including significant loss of life, displacement, large-scale abductions of women and children and an increase by 360 percent in conflict related sexual violence compared to last year. South Sudanese women and girls continue to face unspeakable sexual violence.
The Commission reports of a never-ending cycle of violence, often in the same places, against the same people, by the same perpetrators – who then walk free. The work of the Commission is critical in the face of the chronic impunity and the continuous delays in the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement.
The Commission remains the only independent mechanism able to safeguard future accountability for crimes under international law. We urge this Council to renew the mandate of the Commission in full and to allow them to continue their vital work, in support of justice for the victims, accountability for those responsible, and a sustainable improvement in the human rights situation in South Sudan.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
Geneva, 15 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
Ms. Amanda Vrana
First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Albania in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
Albania welcomes your report and let me reassure you of our full support for your mandate.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which for the first time recognized the specific right to defend human rights. However, 25 years after the adoption of the Declaration, human rights defenders, advocates for gender equality, journalists and other civil society representatives continue to face many challenges due to their ongoing efforts to defend their – and our rights.
It is unacceptable that to this day human rights defenders are subject to attacks, intimidation and other repressive measures that aim to drown out their voices. These are the voices that we all need to hear, and any efforts to suppress them must stop.
Despite the persistent challenges that they face, human rights defenders have achieved significant successes over the past 25 years, and we appreciate that the Special Rapporteur dedicated this report to the success stories.
Albania recognizes the crucial role of human rights defenders. They are important partners in what is, in essence, a joint endeavor – promoting and protecting human rights. We welcome the recommendations in the report and the impact that something as simple as recognizing and celebrating the achievements of human rights defenders can have on strengthening this partnership. We look forward to exploring the role of children who work peacefully for the rights of others and their right to be defenders.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children
Geneva, 16 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
Ms. Amanda Vrana
First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Albania in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President,
Madame Special Representative, thank you for your latest report on violence against children.
Conflicts around the world have a devastating impact on children’s rights, with millions of children displaced and deprived of access to basic resources. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, and it’s critical that we prioritize their protection.
We welcome the vision of the Special Representative to promote the meaningful participation of children as key stakeholders in all matters concerning their safety and well-being. In Albania, the National Agenda for the Rights of the Child (2021-2026) was drafted in consultation with children. The Agenda represents an important step in realizing national and international commitments in the field of child rights. It addresses at the same time the most significant challenges in achieving results for children, including those created due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protection of children in the digital environment, the focus of the report, is also one of our areas of priority. Albania’s commitment to keeping children safe in every environment is reflected also in the five-year National Cybersecurity Strategy (2020 – 2025), which includes a dedicated chapter on children’s online protection. It aims, inter alia, to develop mechanisms required for child safety in cyberspace, to prevent child online sexual abuse through awareness-raising and the creation of a safe online browsing space, while also preparing the younger generation to benefit from the advantages of technology and overcome development challenges.
To conclude, let me reassure you Madame Special Representative of Albania’s full support for the mandate.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran
Geneva, 20 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
Ms. Amanda Vrana
First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Albania in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President,
Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for his latest report on the situation of human rights in Iran.
Albania is concerned by the Special Rapporteur’s latest reporting on the brutal response by the Iranian authorities to the peaceful protests, which led to the deaths of at least 476 persons, including children and women, with hundreds of protesters being severely injured, and many protesters being arbitrarily arrested, detained, tortured, and ill-treated, including sexual and gender-based violence.
We are deeply concerned by the use of the death penalty in Iran against individuals arrested, while exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and opinion and peaceful assembly and association.
Albania echoes the call of the Special Rapporteur to the Iranian authorities to respect the lives of its people, to impose an immediate moratorium on the death penalty and to restore full engagement and cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and fully cooperate with the international fact-finding mission.
Iran has a notorious long-standing record of systematic violations, which include a sharp increase in executions, where ethnic and national minorities are particularly affected. In this regard, Albania fully supports all the efforts to ensure accountability and justice for serious violations of human rights since the start of the protests in September 2022, for the summary and arbitrary executions of 1988, and the protests of November 2019.
Thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Geneva, 20 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
Albania welcomes the Special Rapporteur, Prof. Elizabeth Salmón, to the Council. We thank her for her first report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and for identifying women and girls as the first priority of her work.
Nearly ten years ago, the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK found that the gravity, scale and nature of human rights violations revealed a repressive State with no parallel in the contemporary world. The deepened isolation and repression in the DPRK have pushed an already vulnerable population to the brink, with women and girls disproportionately affected. We commend the Special Rapporteur for acknowledging the courage of female escapees in sharing their accounts about human rights violations in the DPRK, and for amplifying their voices. We also share the Special Rapporteur’s concern about States that violate the principle of non-refoulement with regard to escapees from North Korea.
The regime’s continued human rights violations and abuses are well documented. The systemic, widespread, and gross human rights violations amount to crimes against humanity. There is no statute of limitations for these crimes, but the victims of grave human rights violations in and by the DPRK deserve justice. We commend the work of the Special Rapporteur and the OHCHR office in Seoul for their essential role in strengthening accountability efforts, and fully support the extension of the respective mandates.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
Geneva, 20 March 2023
Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Accountability
following the Aggression Against Ukraine
Delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President, Mr. Chair,
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine’, consisting of 47 Member States and the European Union.
It has been over a year since Russia launched its full-scale, unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. During this year, the people of Ukraine have continued to fight for their political independence, territorial integrity, dignity, and identity.
As described in detail by your report they have suffered indiscriminate killings of civilians, extrajudicial executions of civilians and detainees, including POWs, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence, as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure, including around nuclear sites.
These alarming findings highlight once more the need to ensure accountability for the serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine, and ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.
Impunity for those responsible for international crimes is unacceptable.
It is also devastating that Russia is inflicting suffering on the most vulnerable people in Ukraine.
The forcible transfers and deportations of children from Ukrainian territory are violations of the rights of the child and international humanitarian law. Additionally, reports of illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children are of grave concern.
Mr. Chair,
What can the international community do to support investigations of cases of forcible transfers of children?
Thank you, Mr. President.
List of members of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine: Albania; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Canada; Colombia; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Guatemala; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Republic of the Marshall Islands; Moldova; Montenegro; Kingdom of the Netherlands; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Republic of Korea; Romania; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United States; EU Delegation
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
Geneva, 21 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
The barbaric atrocities highlighted in the report presented by the Commission of Inquiry were well known. They became painfully clear once the initial shock at Russia’s aggression against Ukraine wore off, and we all had to face the evil unleashed against the people of Ukraine.
We thank the Commissioners for their thorough, professional and careful work, and the clarity of their findings:
- that evidence collected shows that Russian authorities have committed a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in many regions of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation;
- that evidence collected shows a widespread pattern of summary executions in areas that Russian armed forces controlled;
- that evidence collected shows a pattern of attacks against civilians on the move in territories under Russian armed forces’ control;
- that evidence collected shows that sexual violence amounting to torture, and the threat of such, have been important aspects of the torture exercised by Russian authorities.
Findings based on evidence, as are the forced transfer and deportation of children, which prompted the ICC to issue indictments against President Putin and his henchwoman for war crimes against the youngest Ukrainians, but also crimes explicitly part of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
This is Russia’s war of choice, perpetrated with clear intent, broadcast far and wide, even for those who’d rather not hear.
We thank the Commission of Inquiry for its work to date and fully support the extension of its mandate in pursuit of accountability for the perpetrators and justice for the victims of Russia’s aggression.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
Geneva, 21 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
I wish to express Albania’s deepest condolences to all those impacted by the devastating earthquakes that hit Syria in early February. It was yet another tragedy for people already ravaged by twelve years of conflict and displacement.
Albania reiterates its strong support for the Commission of Inquiry. We thank the members of the Commission for their latest report, which documents ongoing violations of human rights and humanitarian law throughout the country.
It is a grim account of atrocities that follow long-established patterns and increasing insecurity. It is an account that begins with the overwhelming violence unleashed by the Syrian Government to quell the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. An account of twelve years of widespread and systematic violations and abuses of nearly every core human right, with little or no accountability for the crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated by the parties to the conflict. And yet, genuine accountability and reform are imperative for Syria to move toward a stable, prosperous and just future for all her people.
The consequences of this war will be with Syria for years to come. We strongly support the creation of a new mechanism to clarify the fate of those missing and disappeared in Syria, putting an end to the prolonged suffering of hundreds of thousands of family members.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath
Geneva, 22 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
Almost three years since the 2020 fraudulent presidential election in Belarus, the Lukashenka regime continues its campaign of violence and repression, intentionally directed at those who express opposition to the regime, to the systematic human rights violations, or to the regime’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The cruel, politically-motivated verdicts against opposition leaders, human rights defenders and journalists are another attempt to intimidate and silence those who stand up in defense of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people in Belarus.
The scale of persecution of human rights defenders, activists and journalists is shocking. Freedom of speech no longer exists in Belarus. The number of political prisoners has passed 1450 and continues to grow. People representing the breadth of Belarusian society are the target of an active policy of mass repression to prevent truth, justice and accountability for the violations committed.
Multiple credible reports have noted the scale and patterns of the violations in Belarus, as well as their widespread and systematic nature. This latest report of the High Commissioner concludes that some of the violations may also amount to crimes against humanity. And despite all, people in Belarus continue to stand up for a sovereign, free and democratic Belarus, risking their freedom and their lives.
Albania thanks the High Commissioner and his Office for the continuous efforts to document human rights abuses, with a view to assisting future accountability processes, and we reaffirm our strong support for the mandate.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 8: General debate on the follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
Geneva, 29 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
Ms. Amanda Vrana
First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Albania in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President,
The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was a historic document that helped to strengthen the international human rights system and advance the recognition of human rights as universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. Albania attaches great importance to these principles and is committed to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Albania has ratified and implemented treaties and international conventions on human rights within the UN system, it has established institutions that aim to protect and advance human rights and it continues to support the principles enshrined in the Declaration in its foreign policy and to actively promote human rights in international fora.
The VDPA has helped to promote and protect human rights over the past 30 years, including through the establishment of human rights mechanisms and the development of new legal standards. Albania appreciates the work of the OHCHRs and strongly supports the mandate of the High Commissioner.
The VDPA was pivotal for recognizing women’s and girls’ rights as an inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of universal human rights. Gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, the advancement of gender equality and combating violence and discrimination in all its forms remain Albania’s priority.
Albania fully endorses the VDPA recognition of the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and the critical role of civil society in these efforts.
This anniversary offers a good momentum to reflect and to work together in strengthening and advancing human rights. Albania will continue to raise its voice in addressing human rights violations throughout the world and to support international efforts in advancing human rights.
I thank you.
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HRC52 – Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral report on Ukraine
Geneva, 31 March 2023
National statement
delivered by
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
Mr. President,
“Bucha” is a name that evokes horror. The massacre of innocent civilians revealed in the wake of retreating Russian forces one year ago today was the beginning of a growing body of harrowing evidence of Russia’s illegal and barbaric actions.
The 400 days of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have been a gruesome testimony of the horrendous human cost of this war.
Children are among the most vulnerable. Some 4.6 million children have been internally or externally displaced since Russia’s full-scale invasion. More than 500 children have been killed in Ukraine, and more than a thousand have been wounded. More than 650 schools, and more than 600 medical facilities have been attacked. And more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped and taken to Russia.
Children should not be the spoils of war, but forced transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children are part of Russia’s policy – illegal and unconscionable, as every other aspect of its aggression against Ukraine.
Albania thanks the OHCHR and all other mechanisms for the meticulous effort to uncover the truth of Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine, and acknowledging the deep scars of trauma the Ukrainian people endure. The victims of Russia’s aggression deserve justice, and those responsible for human rights violations and international crimes will be held accountable.
I thank you.
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