Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Monday met Omar Zniber, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, to discuss the current human rights situation in the country’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

Darchiashvili highlighted the “difficult” humanitarian environment in both regions and pointed out the necessity of establishing an international monitoring mechanism, with the official also informing Zniber about “serious violations” of human rights in the occupied regions and other “illegal actions” of the occupation forces, including transfer of “strategic objects” to Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

He also highlighted the importance of a resolution at the Human Rights Council reaffirming the body’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders, and noted the importance of keeping the matters of the country’s Russian-occupied regions at a “high level” on the UN’s agenda.

The meeting also covered the policy of peaceful resolution of conflicts on the territory of Georgia, the Geneva International Discussions and the role of the UN in the process.

The Minister noted the involvement of the international community was “critically important” for Russia to fulfil its obligations to withdraw its forces, allow international security mechanisms to enter the occupied regions and return internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes.

He also emphasised his country's activities as a member of the body, including the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, minorities, internally displaced persons and conflict-affected populations.

The Minister congratulated Zniber on his election as the President of the UN Human Rights Council and confirmed his Government’s readiness to cooperate on “all priority matters” determined by the Council.

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