Meeting with High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs Navi Pillay

The Permanent Representative, Ambassador Alexandros Alexandris met, on Thursday 17th of October, with High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs N. Pillay  in the framework of the regular exchange of views and in view of the upcoming Greek presidency of the European Union (January-June 2014). A fruitful discussion was held on issues related to the human rights situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, including developments in Syria. Ambassador Alexandris also briefed Mrs Pillay on Greece’s readiness to engage positively in the six thematic priorities of the High Commission during the years 2014-2017, expressing his deep appreciation on the work achieved so far and respect for the independence of the instutuion.

Ambassador Alexandris informed Mrs Pillay about recent developments in Greece regarding the reinforcement of human rights protection in the country, in particular in what concerns the rights of migrants and addressing racism.

Possible synergies in view of the Greek Presidency in the EU were also discussed, as well as ongoing visits by special rapporteurs and the director of the regional office of the High Commission for Europe in Greece.

The High Commissioner welcomed Greece’s recent contribution to the Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.