Geneva: DPM Lukšić presents Montenegro’s human rights protection policy at High Level Segment of 25th session of UN Human Rights Council

Geneva, Switzerland (3 March 2014) --  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić participated at the High Level Segment of the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which was opened by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and Chairman of the UN Human Rights Council Baudelaire Ndong Ella.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić presented Montenegro’s human rights protection policy and Montenegro’s priorities in the first year of UNHRC membership. Montenegro’s head diplomat made remarks about the continued and serious human rights breaches in certain parts of the world and underlined the need for a responsible approach by the global community in solving these problems, and noted in particular the important role of the UN Security Council.

“We are confident that the international human rights system is as effective as the countries, as its essential components, demonstrate the will to improve the internal state of human rights, but also present readiness to help those suffering from human rights violations all around the world,” Mr Lukšić said at the UN Human Rights Council stage.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić met at the meeting sidelines with the Foreign Minister of Argentina, Hector Marcos Timerman. The meeting was a good opportunity to exchange opinions on the matters related to bilateral cooperation, bearing in mind Montenegro plans to open in the near future an embassy in Buenos Aires and the Argentine minister plans to visit Montenegro. Montenegrin head diplomat also head brief meetings with high representatives of Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Poland, and Albania.

The four-day High Level Segment is the introduction to the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is taking place on 3-28 March. The most important events at the session will be the High Commissioner’s annual report presentation, high-level panel discussion on the abolishment of the death penalty, fight against genocide, promotion of the UN prevention mechanisms, environmental protection, and civil society participation. In addition, individual cases of human rights protection in countries and regions requiring particular scrutiny by the Council will be discussed, as well as the mechanism and special procedures for human rights protection, and the adoption of the final report of the Working Group for the Universal Periodic Review and individual resolutions.

Montenegro has been a member of the UN Human Rights Council since 1 January 2013 and the mandate expires on 31 December 2015.