Moldova seeks membership in the UN Human Rights Council
The Republic of Moldova aims to become a member of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 mandate, following the elections scheduled for 2026. This intention was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Plenary Session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi emphasized the Republic of Moldova's strong commitment to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in his speech.
He also advocated for strengthening the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and ensuring prompt responses to situations involving serious human rights violations worldwide.
The head of diplomacy from Chișinău noted that the international community is at a critical juncture for the rules-based international system, which is undergoing significant transformations. He highlighted that, despite the pressures facing the current international system, multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles that support it remain essential and must be reinforced.
"The transition to a new system must not compromise our principles. Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms must remain the foundation of any international arrangements," declared Mihai Popșoi.
During the same event, he presented Moldova's achievements and priorities during its presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, reaffirming the country’s commitment to upholding core values such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
He also underscored the importance of the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region of Moldova.
Additionally, Mihai Popșoi stressed that the Republic of Moldova stands in solidarity with Ukraine by hosting refugees, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting Ukraine's international efforts.
During his working visit to Switzerland, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi met with Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in the area of human rights and addressing the challenges arising from current regional and international crises.
Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi emphasized the Republic of Moldova's commitment to protecting and promoting fundamental rights at the national level. This commitment is particularly relevant as Moldova prepares to assume the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 14, 2025, to May 15, 2026.
During a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Sabine Monauni, an official from Chișinău discussed the new economic opportunities arising from the Republic of Moldova-EFTA Agreement, which took effect on April 1, 2025. They also highlighted the support provided by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED).
Over the past 17 years, LED has invested 20 million euros in key sectors in the Republic of Moldova, including education, vocational training, youth services, and social services.
Mihai Popșoi also invited Sabine Monauni to attend the ministerial session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, to be held in Chișinău in May.
Minister Mihai Popșoi visited the cities of Geneva and Bern, Switzerland, from February 24 to 25. During his time in Bern, he met with Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss Confederation's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Following this, on February 26 and 27, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi will travel to Vienna. There, he is scheduled to meet with Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria. Additionally, he will participate in the OSCE Permanent Council meeting, where he will present the Republic of Moldova's priorities for the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
