Foreign Affairs Minister Ditmir Bushati attended the High Level Meeting of the 31st Session of the Human Rights Council, held in Geneva. Albania, a member of this Council for the first time since January 2015, remains committed to working together with other members, to shape global action on the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Minister Bushati reiterated the objectives of Albania, as a member of the HRC in terms of respecting minority rights, coexistence, rule of law, fight against corruption, the commitment to reduce gender inequalities and promote the protection of children's rights. In his speech, Minister Bushati, after praising the contribution of the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the protection, promotion and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as on the fight against violent extremism, expressed support for the independence and integrity of the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Focusing on the migration crisis, Minister Bushati stated that "the international community's efforts to cope with the refugee crisis must be accompanied by a special attention to the respect of human rights of migrants". In this context, special attention was paid to the importance of not allowing that those migrants, who flee countries where human rights are violated, lack respect on these rights in transit and host countries.

At addressing the HRC, Minister Bushati referred also to the terrorist acts of the last year, which have created a new geography of collective insecurity, stating that: "Religious harmony is in danger in many parts of the world. Nonetheless, religious harmony is not just a utopia, but a possible social project, as in Albania”

Focusing on the fight against violent extremism, Minister Bushati said that "Albania, as part of the core group of the Resolution on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is committed against violent extremism through development and educational programs."

Minister Bushati outlined before the audience the strength of religious harmony in Albania, as an inspiring model, also internationally appreciated by selecting Tirana as venue for the Summit "Peace is always possible", held in September last year.