Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos underlined on Thursday that respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms – on both a national and global level – is a priority of primary importance for Greece.

More specifically, Mr. Venizelos made the following statement on the occasion of International Human Rights Day:

“Today we are celebrating the 66th anniversary of the historic adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For Greece, which was one of the 49 states that signed the Declaration at that time, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms – on both a national and global level – is a priority of primary importance.

Greece considers peace, security, stability and economic growth and prosperity to be inextricably linked with respect for human rights, the protection of human dignity and the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. In this framework, we support every effort to defend human rights, particularly today, when our wider region has become a theater of flagrant violations of political and religious freedoms and of the fundamental rights to life and freedom.

The adoption by the Hellenic Parliament, on 10 September 2014, of the law for combating manifestations of racism and xenophobia, which constitutes a very complete institutional framework, is the best proof of Greece’s thorough dedication to respect for human rights.

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, we express the hope that the laudable efforts of all the agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and members of civil society fighting selflessly for the defence of human rights will be crowned with success.

The Hellenic Republic, pursuing the strengthening of the UN Human Rights Council’s role and the upgrading of Greece’s participation in the UNHRC, is actively promoting Greece’s candidacy for a seat on the Council for the period 2019-2021.”