Acting Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius: Lithuania expresses its firm commitment to human rights

In the meeting with Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, on Wednesday, Acting Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius noted the positive impact of the CoE on the national legal system.

“I would like to reiterate Lithuania’s firm and determined committed to promote and defend human rights both nationally and internationally. Our country attaches great importance to the international agreements on human rights and the obligations arising from them. We expect the same from all the other states, i.e. full adherence to the international humanitarian law and human rights”, said the Acting Prime Minister.

According to Algirdas Butkevičius, over the past 26 years of independence, Lithuania has ratified all the conventions and agreements on human rights and fundamental freedoms, and has ensured a smooth transition to democratic governance based on the respect of human rights and freedoms.

The Acting Prime Minister and the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights briefly discussed Lithuania’s progress in the fight against domestic violence, as well as gender equality, child rights and the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.

These issues will also be discussed by CoE Commissioner Muižnieks with Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Interior, Vice-Ministers of Health and Social Security and Labour, and the Chancellors of the Ministries of Justice and Education and Science, Chairmen of the Seimas Committees, Ombudspersons for Equal Opportunities and for Children’s Rights, as well as non-governmental organizations.