On February 24, 2025, Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, engaged in a significant dialogue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. This meeting, highlighted by an official press release, aimed to showcase Georgia’s collaboration with the UN, touching on regional security concerns and persistent human rights issues in the Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.
During her meeting with Guterres, Botchorishvili underscored Georgia’s commitment to supporting UN resolutions that bolster the country’s sovereignty, alongside discussing the UN’s role in the Geneva International Discussions, a dialogue established following the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. The conversation included insights into Georgia’s economic growth and its strategic importance within the region, with Botchorishvili extending an invitation to Guterres to visit Georgia.
In her address to the Human Rights Council, Botchorishvili condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, illustrating its detrimental impact on human rights protections. She poignantly recalled the Soviet occupation of Georgia on February 25, 1921, which she noted hindered Georgia’s democratic progress for decades. Her remarks also condemned the recent so-called presidential elections in the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia, along with drawing attention to the humanitarian crises and human rights abuses in occupied regions.
Highlighting reforms within the judicial system and a reduction in cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Botchorishvili framed these developments as affirmations of a robust rule of law in Georgia. While addressing concerns regarding the speculations surrounding the contentious October 26 elections, she asserted that despite these challenges, Georgian citizens have made their political choices freely and urged the cessation of destabilising manipulations.
Botchorishvili concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights mechanisms, expressing hope for ongoing support from the international community as Georgia continues to advocate for human rights and sovereignty.
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met UN Secretary-General António Guterres on February 24, 2025, focusing on Georgia’s UN engagement and human rights under occupation. She condemned human rights violations in Abkhazia, discussed judicial reforms, and reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms. Her speech reflected Georgia’s commitment to sovereignty and democratic values amidst regional challenges.
In summary, the meeting between Georgia’s Foreign Minister and UN Secretary-General highlighted vital discussions on regional security, human rights, and Georgia’s role within the UN framework. Botchorishvili’s speech addressed critical themes of sovereignty, legal reforms, and the ongoing geopolitical challenges posed by Russian occupation. The commitment to uphold human rights and strengthen ties with the UN remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s foreign policy efforts.
Original Source: civil.ge
