February 25, 2025, Geneva – Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi delivered a speech via videoconference during the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
In his address, Minister Mihai Popșoi referred to numerous global challenges, noting that recent conflicts and military hostilities have further deteriorated an already fragile human rights situation.
Speaking about Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine, the Moldovan foreign minister reaffirmed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and ongoing support for refugees on Moldovan territory.
Reiterating the authorities’ commitment to achieving a sustainable and comprehensive solution, the minister emphasized the importance of basing it on the UN Charter’s provisions. He stressed that justice can only be achieved through a robust accountability mechanism for war crimes and the prevention of future wars by solid security guarantees, alongside setting the course for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The precarious human rights situation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova was brought to the international community’s attention, particularly cases of illegal detention and numerous other serious violations committed in this area. The official also mentioned the issue of implementing the European Court of Human Rights’ rulings concerning human rights violations, including those in the Transnistrian region—an issue that will remain a priority for Moldova during its upcoming Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, scheduled for November 2025 – May 2026.
In his speech, Minister Popșoi also promoted Moldova’s candidacy for a new term as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 period, with objectives including the promotion of human rights as the foundation of a just and fair world, regardless of geographic location.
In this context, the official reaffirmed Moldova’s support for the efforts of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting and protecting human rights.
Note: The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) is a standing subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly, established under General Assembly Resolution 60/251, adopted on March 15, 2006. The HRC began its work on June 19, 2006, is headquartered in Geneva, and is composed of 47 member states with voting rights.
The Republic of Moldova has submitted its candidacy for a new term on the HRC for 2027–2029. Its first mandate was held from June 2010 to June 2013.
