Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias presented Greece’s candidature for the UN Human Rights Council in the period 2028-2030, saying its aim was to advance the Council’s vital work based on respect for International Law and especially the Charter of the United Nations.
Addressing the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva through a video message on Monday, he pointed out that Greece has never had the chance to serve in the Council before and said that it will continue to work in a spirit of international synergy and dialogue with all relevant UN bodies and member states, because Greece is convinced of the added value and effectiveness of a consensus-based approach. In fact, he noted a need to reaffirm a universal commitment to respect for International Law and in particular the United Nations Charter, while stressing that 75 years after its adoption, “the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is here to underline that there can be no peace if human rights are violated”. Likewise, he noted that Greece steadfastly stands by its principles, respecting rules-based multilateralism based on International Law.
He also pointed out that Greece has submitted its candidacy for the UN Security Council in the period 2025-2026 in this spirit and that it contributes to resolutions such as the promotion of cultural rights, sports and the Olympic Games, as well as human rights in neurotechnology.
“It is with these priorities and principles that we aim to promote the vital work of the Council.,” the Foreign Minister stressed.
Dear Mr. Dendias,
Please take care. Your wish for Greece to join the UN Human Rights Council strongly suggests that you have some serious personal problems. How can you expect us to take seriously your request when your government has gained such notoriety for its deadly pushbacks of refugees fleeing war. I look out over the Aegean from my house in Samos. And what do I see EVERY morning ? A variety of patrol vessels going up and down the coast. We might have no bus service in the village; we have a poor infrastructure, we still need help following the massive earthquake 2 years ago BUT we do have patrol boats, drones, and the like.
We also have a big police presence and an extraordinary number of new sophisticated police vehicles. Yes, on Samos! Not New York. WHY
For many of us on Samos see the police are like an army of occupation. They strut around; they are rude and they are DISTRUSTED by many. Their behaviour strongly suggests that it is a police force in which concern with human rights does not exist.
And it is goes on. 20 judges sacked this year in Greece for incompetence.
So many of us here cannot believe the Greek government’s embrace of Israel.
So Mr Dendias it would help us if you could tell us on what grounds Greece has for being seen as a bastion of human rights?