United Nations General Assembly A/HRC/PRST/27/3 Distr.: General 3 October 2014 Original: English Human Rights Council Twenty-seventh session Agenda item 1 Organizational and procedural matters Statement by the President PRST 27/3 Protection of the human rights of migrants at sea At the 42nd meeting, on 26 September 2014, the President of the Human Rights Council made the statement below: “The Human Rights Council, Recognizing that migrants often undertake dangerous journeys, including in crowded and unsafe boats, and deeply concerned at the frequent recurrence of tragic events at sea, Alarmed at the reports of the sinking of boats, that has resulted in the death of hundreds of people, deeply concerned at the persistent vulnerability of migrants, and expressing grave concern at the inhuman exploitation suffered by migrants at the hands of organized criminal groups, Concerned that the protection of the human rights of migrants at sea continues to pose a serious challenge and requires a holistic analysis and assessment, as well as a concerted international response through genuine multilateral cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, Underlining the important role of the Human Rights Council in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including for migrants, 1. Expresses deep sorrow at the massive loss of innocent lives of migrants, including at sea; 2. Calls upon States to take further steps, in accordance with their international obligations, to provide persons in distress at sea with assistance; 3. Urges States, individually and collectively, to protect the human rights of migrants and to address the root causes that drive persons to make such dangerous journeys; GE.14-18035 (E) 