Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović spoke at the High-level segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

The session commenced with greetings from UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, representing the host country.

In his address during the plenary session, Ibrahimović stressed the importance of placing human rights at the forefront of the global response to existing geopolitical tensions and crises.

He stated, “We must reaffirm our strong commitment to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order. To address the urgent challenges we face, it is essential to invest more in safeguarding human rights and to continually reinforce the rule of law.”

Ibrahimović reiterated Montenegro’s commitment to close collaboration with partners in promoting and protecting shared democratic values, rights, and freedoms. He also noted that Montenegro has recently concluded its second term on the Human Rights Council.

“We collaborated with partners across all regional groups to jointly promote and protect human rights worldwide, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable and marginalized communities. Montenegro will continue to act as a constructive and dependable participant in the Council, engaging with all UN human rights mechanisms,” said Ibrahimović.

He further announced Montenegro’s candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2030–2032 term, which was officially submitted in November 2024.

In addition to his address at the HRC, Ibrahimović engaged in a series of bilateral meetings in Geneva.

During a discussion with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, he reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to uphold and protect human rights by assimilating EU standards into its legal framework.

“Freedom and equality are the core democratic values that we cherish,” stated Ibrahimović.

High Commissioner Türk praised Montenegro’s active role in the Human Rights Council during its recent term and its ongoing commitment to multilateralism.

In discussions with HRC President Jürg Lauber, Ibrahimović confirmed Montenegro’s status as a constructive and dedicated partner in furthering the Council’s objectives. President Lauber commended Montenegro’s proactive involvement and documented commitment to human rights advocacy.

Ibrahimović and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis explored means to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen intergovernmental connections. Minister Cassis highlighted Montenegro’s significance as a partner in building stability in the Western Balkans, with both parties acknowledging opportunities for increased collaboration, especially in economics and tourism.

In talks with Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian, Ibrahimović discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, including the recently negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that Montenegro fully supports a two-state solution as the only feasible path toward lasting peace. Both officials agreed on the necessity for a coordinated international effort to support Gaza’s reconstruction.

On the margins of the HRC session, Ibrahimović also had brief meetings with Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath. Additionally, he conversed with Leon Saltiel, Director of Diplomacy for the World Jewish Congress in Geneva.