Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis delivered a message of unity against aggression and revisionism from Geneva, emphasizing the need for coordinated international initiatives to achieve peace. Speaking on the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, he noted that the fourth anniversary of the war — which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives — is a stark reminder that the international community must stand united “against all forms of aggression” and work toward a sustainable peace.

During the session, Gerapetritis presented Greece’s National Strategy for the Prevention of Child Violence and the Promotion of Child-Friendly Justice. He highlighted that the initiative was warmly received by UN member states, United Nations officials, and representatives of the Council of Europe.

On the margins of the summit, he met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, reaffirming Athens’ firm commitment to multilateralism and to strengthening the role of international organizations in times of crisis — from armed conflicts to climate change.

He also referred to his meeting with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, stressing that Greece continues to support Lebanon’s stability and resilience, both through humanitarian assistance and in the context of future reconstruction efforts.

Diplomatic contacts will continue in the United States, where Gerapetritis is scheduled to meet with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Greece is at the forefront of international initiatives and will continue to pursue an active foreign policy,” he stated.

In detail, Gerapetritis said:

“Today marks four years since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. It is important that we unite our voices against aggression and against any form of revisionism. We must join forces for peace in the region so that we can finally achieve tangible results in Ukraine.

Today I was in Geneva for the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. I had the opportunity to address the Assembly and to present Greece’s National Strategy for the prevention of child violence and the promotion of child-friendly justice. The presentation was enthusiastically received by a distinguished audience of UN member states, UN officials, as well as representatives of the Council of Europe.

As an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, Greece is undertaking a number of initiatives, including in its capacity as chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, to ensure that children do not fall victim to violence, aggression, and greed.

I also met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to reiterate Greece’s strong belief in international multilateralism. International organizations must maintain an active presence, especially in times of major global crises — armed conflicts, the climate crisis, and other conditions that make today’s reality so challenging.

I had the opportunity to speak with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, and we exchanged views on peace and stability in the region. Greece, as a steadfast supporter of Lebanon, has provided substantial and tangible assistance to help the country face the challenges ahead with resilience.

Greece is present in developments in the Middle East. Lebanon is a neighboring country of the European Union. We will remain engaged both in reconstruction efforts and in providing humanitarian aid.

From Geneva, we will travel to the United States, where I will meet with the U.S. Secretary of State at a critical juncture in international affairs, as efforts for peace are underway on multiple fronts. We will exchange views. Greece remains at the forefront of international initiatives and will continue to pursue an active foreign policy.”