Statement of the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Panayotis Stournaras, during the Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Statement of the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Panayotis Stournaras, during the Interactive dialogue on the annual report of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Human Rights Council, 47th Session, 22 June 2021)

Greece aligns itself with the EU Statement.

In his 2020 call to action on human rights, the Secretary General stated that “Global challenges are more connected than ever, but our responses are more fragmented”. A timely observation, considering how the COVID-19 pandemic got its grip on the world, perpetuating and exacerbating inequalities, and impacting human rights in a manner never envisaged before.

Madam High Commissioner,

In your report, you mention your efforts against domestic and gender-based violence, which increased during lockdowns. The decision by Turkey to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention in such a context is particularly troubling, and reflects the deterioration of respect for human rights, rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Greece remains concerned by the human rights situation in Belarus.  The recent state hijack of the Athens-Vilnius flight is one of the many symptoms of the complete disregard for human rights and international law.

Indeed, human rights cannot flourish where international law is blatantly flouted. This is the case in Libya, where the presence and actions of foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries and the disregard for basic principles of international law hinder efforts to build stability.

Madam High Commissioner,

In conclusion, we commend your office’s capacity to adjust to challenges. We remain fully committed to unrestricted cooperation with the OHCHR, as well as with all Treaty bodies and Special Procedures mandate holders.

I thank you