Mr. Speaker, I welcome debate during this pivotal moment for the region and the world.I rise having just returned from visiting the Middle East, where I met with my counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
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There is a terrible irony to our meeting at the Human Rights Council.
The creation of this council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was yet another milestone in our common efforts to advance human rights, gender equality, Indigenous rights, the rights of persons with disabilities and the LGBTI community and all those who seek affirmation and protection of the dignity of the person.