The candidacy of Greece for the Human Rights Council in the period 2028-2030, with the aim of promoting the very important project, with a commitment to respecting International Law and in particular the Charter of the United Nations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presented Nikos Dendias.

Addressing the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council, at Geneva, through his video message, pointed out that Greece has never had the opportunity to participate in the Council in the past and assured that it will continue to work in a spirit of international synergy and dialogue with all the relevant bodies and member states of the UN, because it is convinced of the added value and effectiveness of a consensus-based approach. In fact, he proposed the need to confirm the universal adherence to respect for International Law and in particular the Charter of the United Nations, while stressing that 75 years after its adoption, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is here to underline that there can be no peace if human rights are violated. Likewise, he announced that Greece strictly adheres to the principles of respect for rules-based multilateralism and International Law.

He also pointed out that Greece has submitted its candidacy for the UN Security Council in the period 2025-2026 and that it contributes to resolutions such as the promotion of cultural rights, sports and the Olympic Games, as well as human rights in neurotechnology. “With these priorities and principles, we aim to advance the very important work of the Council,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.

Outlining today’s international environment, Mr Foreign Minister he said that the world is facing a series of unprecedented crises. The long-term effects of the pandemic, climate change, the lack of basic goods such as food and water, and the prolonged conflicts caused by the flagrant violation of international norms, he said indicatively.

Further, he referred to invasion of Russia in Ukraine, on the occasion of the one-year anniversary, on February 24. He confided that during his three visits to Ukraine since the start of the war and one shortly before, he has personally seen the pain of innocent people and expressed his concern for the fate of the Greek community in the areas now under Russian occupation. including Mariupol.

In this context, she expressed her solidarity of Greece with all its partners in the pursuit of justice and accountability, noting that at the same time, other conflicts that favor human rights violations should not be forgotten, such as in Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and Belarus.

At the same time, he acknowledged that they are being paid tries to improve the human rights situation in several countries. “In times of serious challenges, there is a way forward. Cooperation and building bridges in order to achieve our common goals” he announced.

Finally, Nikos Dendias did not fail to express his sincere condolences for the tragic loss of human life from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. “Greece has expressed, from the first moment, its solidarity”, he underlined.