Watch: ‘We must ensure the protection, respect and guarantee of fundamental human rights’ – Minister Ian Borg

“More than ever before, in this unprecedented time we are living in, we must ensure that our peoples have the protection, respect and guarantee of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.” This was said by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, whilst addressing the 132nd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Turin, Italy.

In view of this, Minister Ian Borg stressed that, more than ever before, strong cooperation is needed to ensure that the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights are implemented and enforced.

Minister Borg said that it has been proven once again, especially over the last few months, that the Council of Europe still has very important relevance when it comes to European security. Respecting the principles of democracy, the rule of law and the facilitation of economic and social progress on which this Council is based upon are once again a catalyst in this day and age. Once again, whilst expressing Malta’s full solidarity with Ukraine, the Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs continued to promote the ideal of peace being sought between Russia and Ukraine, and maintained that this is the only way for this war to end once and for all.

Dr Borg praised the leadership of the Italian Presidency over the past six months and augured Ireland on its leadership for the next six months. Accompanying Minister Ian Borg was the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, Mr Lorenzo Vella.

Minister Borg also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, with whom he expressed Malta’s strong commitment to continue to uphold and promote the values ​​of this European political organisation.