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During the high-level meeting at the United Nations Human Rights Council on 4 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius discussed regional human rights situations, presented Lithuania’s priorities for the UN’s system of human rights protection and iterated Lithuania’s goal of becoming a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 period.

When speaking about the situation in Ukraine, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister condemned Russia’s invasion of Crimea and its occupation of the Ukrainian territory. He called on Russia to immediately stop its military aggression and to begin consultations in accordance with international law. L.Linkevičius welcomed Ukraine’s decision to invite special missions of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe in order to ensure proper human rights protection in the territory of Ukraine.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister voiced concerns about the human rights situation in Syria and called on all parties to the conflict to engage in Geneva’s peace process. He also called for an immediate end to violence in the Central African Republic and for support to national efforts to restore peace, security and the rule of law. He also noted Lithuania’s contribution to the Sangaris French military operation and its chairmanship of the Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.

“Membership of the UN Security Council opens up new possibilities to promote human rights and democracy. We shall dedicate more attention to the rule of law, protection of civilians in armed conflict - women and children in particular and principles of international humanitarian law,” L.Linkevičius said when presenting priorities for Lithuania’s activities.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister also stressed Lithuania’s aim to continue to protect the freedom of expression, assembly and association, and supported a stronger civil society. L.Linkevičius underlined that Lithuania’s independent candidate ran for the election of members of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014.

L.Linkevičius held a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, during which the officials exchanged views on the human rights situation in Belarus and events in Ukraine. N.Pillay welcomed Lithuania’s efforts to promote the dialogue between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.

Lithuania enjoys observer status at the UN Human Rights Council.