UN General Assembly
2012

the international community will not turn a blind eye on gross human rights violations and indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population. Human rights abuses must not go unpunished. Violations must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators must be held accountable before credible judicial institutions, including the International Criminal Court. Our membership of the Human Rights Council is an opportunity to continue working on the key priorities that Austria pursued during its Security Council membership in 2009 and 2010: the protection of civilians, the safety of journalists, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the freedom of religion and belief, and the protection of children from violence and abuse. The High-level Meeting of 24 September was an important opportunity to renew our commitment to the rule of law at the national and international levels. It now needs an adequate follow-up. As chair of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law, Austria will provide concrete proposals for the upcoming report of the Secretary-General. The various United Nations headquarters in Vienna