Minister Darmanovic meets with Senior Officials of UN

Geneva, Switzerland (2 March 2017) -- On the sidelines of the 34th session of Human Rights Council (HRC), Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović had meetings with the UN Senior Officials.

During the talks with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein, Minister Darmanović confirmed Montenegro's support for the work of the High Commissioner and his office. He expressed gratitude for choosing Montenegro to be a pilot country for the implementation of OHCHR database to monitor the implementation of recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the UN in the field of human rights. In this context, he stressed the importance of previous Office's support on strengthening national capacities in the field of human rights. High Commissioner Zeid praised the current cooperation between Montenegro and the Office, and welcomed Montenegro's readiness to talk openly about the challenges related to the protection and promotion of human rights. The officials also discussed questions of media freedom, freedom of expression and association.

Minister Darmanović also met with the HRC President Joaquin Martelli. The two officials exchanged opinions on the activities of the Council and methods for its effective action in the future.

Minister Darmanović pointed out to the priorities of Montenegro's activities in the Council, with a special focus on respect for the principle of non-discrimination, gender equality, protection of the rights of vulnerable groups.

During the meeting with Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva Michael Møller, the officials exchanged views on current global trends, but also on the activities of the Office concerning the implementation of sustainable development goals.

In discussion with Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Christian Bach, the two officials exchanged opinions on the activities under the auspices of this Pan-European organisation, in particular on preparations for the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) and the jubilee 70th session of the Commission, which will be held in April 2017. Bach commended Montenegro for the fulfillment of obligations in terms of standards and conventions adopted under the auspices of the Commission.

During the visit, Minister Darmanović also met with Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Roberto Azavêdo and Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) Arancha Gonzalez. Minister Darmanović informed his counterparts about the economic and political agenda of the Government of Montenegro and confirmed the importance that our Government attaches to strengthening of the multilateral trading system.

Minister Darmanović gave a lecture at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, where he talked about the security challenges in the Western Balkans and globally.