I would like first of all to express my deep regret that I am unable to be with you today. We are greatly honoured to co-sponsor the launch of the Report of the Commission on Human Security.

There could be no more appropriate time to launch this report, as the threats to human security are more evident today than ever before. For despite all of the progress that humankind has made in the realms of technology, communications and commerce, the majority of the world's population find themselves in very vulnerable circumstances: vulnerable to poverty; vulnerable to environmental degradation; vulnerable to infectious diseases; and, as we know all too well in UNHCR, vulnerable to persecution, armed conflict and displacement.

As the Commission's report suggests, there is an urgent need to place the needs and aspirations of human beings at the centre of the discourse on international security. Of course, States will continue to have primary responsibility for the well-being of their citizens. But as the challenges of modernity become more complex, we must focus our attention more systematically on the related issues of human development and human security. And in doing so, we must recognize that every individual has equal rights.

The Report of the Commission on Human Security concludes by saying that there are two crucial components of human security: protection and empowerment. And it is in these words that we find a very direct relationship between the work of the Commission and the work of UNHCR. For protection and empowerment are also UNHCR's primary objectives.

Building upon the experience and achievements of UNHCR during Mrs Ogata's long period in office, we have in recent times been exploring new ways of protecting and empowering those persons who are of concern to us.

In terms of protection, I would particularly like to highlight the Agenda for Protection and the Convention Plus initiative, as well as our efforts to ensure that migration management policies are consistent with the principles of refugee protection.

With regard to the empowerment of refugees and returnees, we are, by means of initiatives such as the 4Rs ('Repatriation, Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction'), DLI ('Development through Local Integration') and DAR (Development Assistance to Refugees') - trying to ensure that persons of concern to UNHCR can realize their productive potential, whether they are living in a country of asylum or in their country of origin. Through the implementation of such initiatives, we are already striving to realize the goals so clearly set out in the Report of the Commission on Human Security.

In conclusion, I would like to commend Mrs Ogata and the other members of the Commission on the publication of this important report, and to pledge our full cooperation in the realization of its very noble objectives.