Let me say first of all that freedom of expression is one of the most important human rights. I know what it's like to live in a country where people are terrified to express their opinions because they know it can cost their life. So I will defend anyone's right to express himself or herself at the Commission, irrespective of their views. I just wish that this freedom were possible in every country. Clearly, it is not.
Some nations spend a lot of time here perverting and distorting the truth.
A most important job for us is to challenge that practice and do our utmost to shine a spotlight on the really brutal violations of human rights that take place. That's not always easy, but it is always necessary that we try. All over the world, there are people who have dedicated their lives and fortunes to fighting violations of basic human rights. Many face torture, jail, and even death for that. Still, they are willing to pay the price.