Seychelles speaks at high-level panels on human rights promotion and protection |28 February 2020

Ambassador Faure (second right) speaking at the ministerial panel discussion (Photo source: department of Foreign Affairs)

This week, on the side-lines of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Ambassador Barry Faure, secretary of state for foreign affairs and the blue economy, spoke at two high-level panels regarding the promotion and protection of human rights.

Ambassador Faure sat on the high-level Commonwealth panel discussion on ‘Good Practice in Protecting the Space for Journalism’, alongside Commonwealth secretary general the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, QC; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid; and a representative of civil society organization, Article 19.

Ambassador Faure emphasised journalists’ “vital role in helping to ensure accountability and good governance in our public affairs”, and that a threat to the safety of media agents is a “threat to freedom of expression and the very fabric of democracy”.

He pledged that Seychelles will continue to work with “national institutions and international partners to ensure safe working spaces, and a culture devoid of impunity for crimes committed against journalists”.

Speaking at a ministerial panel discussion titled ‘Towards a more inclusive, representative and responsive Council’, Ambassador Faure noted that all states, no matter how big or small, face similar global challenges and threats – however, small states such as Seychelles are working from a smaller tool box, often with great human, resource and financial constraints.

He emphasised that the inclusion and representation of unique perspectives such as Seychelles’ were essential to ensuring that the highest body for human rights – the UN Human Rights Council – remains responsive and reflective of the global community.

Also sitting on the panel were the ministers for foreign affairs of Iceland, Maldives and Armenia.

Press Release from the department of Foreign Affairs and Blue Economy