International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is in Geneva, Switzerland, where she will participate in the high-level segment of the 28th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

The session meets against the background of the post-2015 Development Agenda as well as South Africa’s chairing of the Group of 77 (G77) plus China, which presents an opportunity for South Africa and developing countries to advocate for issues of development and social integration.

“South Africa plays a leadership role in several intergovernmental processes at the UN pertaining to human rights and social development.

“In this context, the Minister’s participation will enhance the importance which South Africa attaches to its membership of the HRC, which will end in 2016,” International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

As a member of the HRC since 2013, South Africa has consistently participated in all previous high-level segments.

This, Monyela said, confirms the seriousness with which South Africa regards the work of the HRC as one of the key UN bodies.

It is expected that Nkoana-Mashabane will deliver a statement to the HRC today. The statement will cover contemporary issues facing the international human rights system and the agenda of the HRC.

A number of high-level dialogues will take place on the following topics: human rights mainstreaming, the question of the death penalty and climate change.