Ambassador Hilale : 'No democracy without respect for fundamental rights'

Speaking on behalf of the Francophone group, during a panel discussion on "democracy and the rule of law from a human rights perspective," at the Council of Human Rights, Ambassador Hilale stressed that by adopting the Bamako Declaration, the Francophone community has fostered the rule of law as a key priority.

The diplomat recalled that the Bamako Declaration is "illustrates the concrete commitment of the Member States of the Francophonie in favor of strengthening the rights and freedoms in the Francophone world," adding that the French group is aware that international mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights are getting stronger "despite the serious violations that continue to be perpetrated in many countries, often in all impunity."

In this context, Hilale noted that the efficient implementation of these international mechanisms is a real challenge for a full respect for universal and indivisible rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "The group is confident that the Council of Human Rights contributes to promoting the implementation of principles and standards that are the foundation of democracy and the rule of law," he said.

The Panel discussion on democracy and the rule of law from a human rights perspective was organized by the Council of Human Rights at the joint initiative of Morocco, Romania, Qatar, Norway, Central African Republic and Peru.