Protecting human rights should be at the heart of responses to geopolitical challenges

Human rights must be at the center of a joint response to current geopolitical challenges and crises, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović.

"We must reaffirm our strong commitment to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order," Ibrahimović said in his address to the plenary session of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

According to him, in order to effectively respond to pressing challenges, more must be invested in the protection of human rights and the rule of law must be continuously strengthened.

Ibrahimović, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP), emphasized that Montenegro is committed to close cooperation with all partners, with the aim of promoting and defending common democratic values, rights and freedoms, and recalled the recently completed second mandate in the Human Rights Council.

He pointed out that Montenegro has worked closely with partners from all regional groups to jointly contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, with a special focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups.

"With the same enthusiasm and commitment, Montenegro will continue to be a constructive and reliable actor in the Council and to cooperate with all UN human rights mechanisms," said Ibrahimović.

He emphasized that in November last year, Montenegro submitted its candidacy for membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2030-2032.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ibrahimović also had a number of bilateral meetings in Geneva today.

At a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, he said that Montenegro is committed to affirming respect for and protection of human rights through the integration of EU standards into its legal framework.

Ibrahimović emphasized that "the rights of freedom and equality are the core of the democratic values ​​we inherit."

Turk emphasized that he appreciated the active role that Montenegro played in the Human Rights Council during its second mandate, as well as its continued commitment to the affirmation of multilateralism.

Ibrahimović, in a conversation with HRC President Jurg Lauber, emphasized that Montenegro will remain a constructive and dedicated partner in the efficient implementation of the Council's agenda.

Lauber, as reported, praised Montenegro's active role and proven commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that at Ibrahimović's meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignacio Cassis, it was assessed that there is both potential and interest in intensifying cooperation, especially in the areas of economy and tourism.

Cassis said that Montenegro is an important partner in strengthening stability in the Western Balkans.

Ibrahimović discussed current events in the Middle East with the Palestinian State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Varsen Aghabekian, with a focus on the recently reached ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

He said that Montenegro supports a two-state solution as the only path to establishing lasting peace.

"The interlocutors agreed that a joint, coordinated approach by the international community is needed to support the reconstruction of Gaza," the statement said.