Ibrahimović in Geneva: Human rights must be at the core of responses to current geopolitical challenges

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ervin Ibrahimović attended the High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva today.

The opening session featured remarks by UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, HRC President Jürg Lauber, and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, representing the host country.

In his plenary address, Minister Ibrahimović stressed that human rights must be at the core of collective responses to ongoing geopolitical crises and challenges. “We must reaffirm our strong commitment to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order. To address pressing global challenges effectively, we must invest more in the protection of human rights and continuously strengthen the rule of law,” he stated.

He highlighted Montenegro’s firm commitment to close cooperation with all partners in promoting and defending shared democratic values, rights, and freedoms. Minister Ibrahimović also recalled Montenegro’s recently concluded second term on the Human Rights Council, during which the country played an active and constructive role.

“We have worked closely with partners from all regional groups to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups. With the same enthusiasm and dedication, Montenegro will continue to be a constructive and reliable actor within the Council and engage with all UN human rights mechanisms,” he emphasized, noting that Montenegro officially submitted its candidacy for the HRC membership for the 2030–2032 term in November 2024.

During his visit to Geneva, Minister Ibrahimović held a series of bilateral meetings.

In a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, Minister Ibrahimović reiterated Montenegro’s commitment to upholding and protecting human rights, emphasizing the integration of EU standards into the national legal framework. “Freedom, equality, and human rights are at the heart of the democratic values we uphold,” he stated. High Commissioner Türk commended Montenegro’s active role in the Human Rights Council and its ongoing dedication to multilateralism.

In talks with HRC President Jürg Lauber, Minister Ibrahimović reaffirmed that Montenegro remains a committed and constructive partner in achieving the Council’s objectives. President Lauber praised Montenegro’s proactive engagement and steadfast commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.

During discussions with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the focus was on enhancing bilateral relations and intergovernmental cooperation. Minister Cassis underscored Montenegro’s importance as a partner in strengthening stability in the Western Balkans, while both sides recognized the potential for intensified cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy and tourism.

In a meeting with Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian, Minister Ibrahimović addressed ongoing developments in the Middle East, particularly the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. He reiterated Montenegro’s support for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace. Both sides agreed on the need for a coordinated and unified international approach to supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.

On the sidelines of the session, Minister Ibrahimović also held brief discussions with Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wijit Herath, and met with Leon Saltiel, Director for Diplomacy at the World Jewish Congress in Geneva.