Deputy Prime Minister at Human Rights Council: Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms must remain at core of any international arrangements

Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms must remain at the core of any international arrangements. The Republic of Moldova is firmly committed in this direction. The message was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of Human Rights Council.

According to the official, the international community is at a turning point for the rules-based international system, marked by profound transformations of the global order. In this context, the minister emphasized that although the current architecture of the international system is under significant pressure, multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles on which it was built remain essential and must be strengthened.

“Transition to the new system must not compromise our principles. Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms must remain at the core of any international arrangements,” Popșoi said.

The official also presented the achievements and priorities of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and reaffirmed our country’s commitment to support fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Special attention is given to the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region of the country. Mihai Popșoi further stressed that the Republic of Moldova remains in solidarity with Ukraine, including by hosting refugees, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting the country’s initiatives at the international level.

At the same time, Popșoi reiterated Moldova’s interest in being elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, in the elections to be held in 2026. This approach highlights the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to assuming an active and responsible role within the international community.

The head of diplomacy also advocated for strengthening the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in order to ensure rapid responses to situations of serious violations of human rights around the world.