Botchorishvili Meets International Leaders in Geneva
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset in Geneva on February 23. The meeting took place during the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
According to an official press release, the two officials discussed cooperation and current issues on the organization's agenda. The talks centered on the Council of Europe's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both parties noted the importance of keeping issues related to the Russia-Georgia conflict as a priority for the organization. The discussion also covered domestic political developments in Georgia and broader regional issues.
The meeting followed a recent report from the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture. Last week, Berset stated the report "raised serious concerns" regarding allegations of ill-treatment by Georgian law enforcement during protests in late 2024. Berset had previously indicated he intended to discuss these specific findings with Botchorishvili during their time in Geneva.
Botchorishvili also held talks with Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Their conversation touched on the security environment in Georgia's occupied territories and regional stability. According to official reports, the two "expressed readiness to continue cooperation on important issues related to the protection of human rights."
Botchorishvili addressed the opening of the UNHRC session, where she spoke about the challenges facing universal human rights principles. She told the council that these principles are challenged by conflict and occupation, as well as by "attempts to instrumentalize international organizations for political pressure and to prioritize human rights for narrow interests."
Botchorishvili defended Georgia's domestic record, stating that the country has "strengthened democratic institutions, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms" despite security challenges. She pointed to "improved international rankings" and an "85% drop in applications to the European Court of Human Rights" as evidence of progress. Botchorishvili added that the Georgian Dream government views human rights as the "foundation" of its vision.
Regarding the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, Botchorishvili spoke of "grave challenges" that still persist. She also turned her attention to the war in Ukraine, stating that Georgia "reaffirms its firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for upholding a rules-based international order rooted in the UN Charter and accountability for violations."
Following her speech, Botchorishvili posted a summary of her visit on social media. "Honored to address the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of Georgia. We reaffirm our commitment to human dignity, democratic governance, and accountability. While advancing reforms at home, we stand firm for sovereignty, justice & a rules-based international order," she wrote on X.
