Assistant Minister Batistić Kos attends Human Rights Council in Geneva

At the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council held 3 March in Geneva, the Croatian delegation was led by Assistant Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Batistić Kos

At the 25^th session of the UN Human Rights Council held 3 March in Geneva, the Croatian delegation was led by Assistant Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Batistić Kos.

Batistić Kos emphasized Croatia’s strong commitment to the strengthening of human rights within the UN system. She said Croatia was deeply concerned over the situation in Ukraine and called for de-escalation in order to prevent further deepening of crisis, violence and human rights violations. She underlined the importance of political dialogue as well as respect for democratic values and human rights, including the right of minorities.

Batistić Kos outlined Croatia’s positions regarding the protection of human rights in Syria, Myanmar, Iran and the Southern Mediterranean, appealing for a political solution to the conflict in Syria and humanitarian access to those in need. She also expressed concern over the growing tension in Myanmar states of Rakhine and Kachin, and called for Iran to respect international standards in regard to death penalties. Speaking about the Southern Mediterranean, she underlined that its transition had to be based on democratic principles as well as respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, including gender equality.

 In regard to thematic priorities, Batistić Kos underlined the importance of women empowerment and gender quality, including economic empowerment of women, prevention of sexual violence in conflict, girls’ right to education, protection of LGBTI persons from discrimination as well as minority rights, and welcomed the resolution on conscientious objection, Croatia’s first initiative in the Council. Batistić Kos also recalled Croatia’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council membership 2017-2019.

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