Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Monday participated via video link in the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, held in Geneva.
Addressing the event, Grlić Radman reflected on the crisis in Ukraine, saying it gravely affected the Ukrainian people as well as the European and global security. “Croatia strongly condemns Russia’s military aggression, which is unprecedented, unprovoked and unjustifiable. The Russian invasion constitutes a gross violation of the international law and threatens and undermines the world’s rule-based order,” he underscored.
“Croatia knows full well what is means to be a victim of an aggression, an invasion; a victim of an attempt to take away the freedom of choice and the right to a free existence. We paid a heavy price for our freedom and democracy, and we deeply sympathize with the Ukrainian people, who are forced to fight for their freedom and their rights. Ukraine is the scene of major human-rights violations, while the world is counting civilian casualties of this senseless and unjustified act,” the minister said.
Grlić Radman reiterated Croatia’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. “The humanitarian aspect of this conflict is deeply troubling. Croatia will offer humanitarian and technical assistance to Ukraine in these trying times,” he added.
The minister also reflected on the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the fight was not yet over, but that the end was in sight. “The pandemic has pushed millions of people deeper into poverty. Its consequences are both social and economic, but affect human rights as well. Today, global solidarity is needed more than ever,” he stressed.
Concluding his address, Grlić Radman reflected on other global challenges such as the climate change and its impact on human rights, cybercrime, as well as the situation in Afghanistan, Tigray and Sudan.
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