Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili Addresses UN Human Rights Council's 55th Session
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, delivered a speech during the 55th session of the high-level segment of the UN Human Rights Council.
According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in his speech, Darchiashvili drew attention to the current global situation regarding the protection of human rights.
"The minister spoke about the steps taken by the Georgian side in terms of human rights protection, noting the importance of approving the National Human Rights Protection Strategy for 2022-2030 and the Action Plan for 2024-2026.
Particular attention was paid to the facts of human rights violations in the occupied regions of Georgia. Against the backdrop of these existing challenges, there was emphasis on the necessity of allowing international monitoring mechanisms into the occupied territories," reads the statement.
According to the Ministry, Darchiashvili emphasized the importance of the international community's support and its role in both human rights protection and peaceful conflict resolution.
"We believe that a strong stance from the international community is crucial for Russia to fulfill its international obligations, including the 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, and to withdraw its military forces from the territory of Georgia," Darchiashvili said.
The minister also noted the importance of the UN Human Rights Council resolution titled 'Cooperation with Georgia' and expressed hope for its continued strong support.
"During his speech, while addressing the challenges in the region, the minister once again reaffirmed Georgia's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Darchiashvili noted that, in light of the challenges facing the world, the full utilization of the mandate of the UN Human Rights Council is critically important. As a member of the Council, Georgia is ready to contribute to this effort.
Darchiashvili once again confirmed Georgia's readiness, as a member country, to take concrete steps towards human rights protection, both at the national level and in international forums," reads the Ministry's statement.
