The U.N. Human Rights Council began a three-week session yesterday amid reports of widespread human rights violations around the world and escalating threats against human rights defenders. The new session of the rights council takes place against the backdrop of immense human suffering caused by devastating floods in Pakistan, violence and conflict in places, such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia and indiscriminate killings of civilians.In her speech to the Council, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, MS. Navi Pillay, drew attention to the vital role played by human rights defenders in exposing abuse around the world. These people, she said, as well as journalists and civil society activists in all regions face threats to their lives and security because of their work. Ms. Pillay urged the Human Rights Council and the international community to support and protect human rights defenders.