Minister Georg Georgiev: Bulgaria Upholds the Highest Standards for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights
06 November 2025 News
“Bulgaria remains committed to cooperating with all international organisations and mechanisms in the field of human rights,” stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, during the presentation of Bulgaria’s implementation of its commitments under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights. “For the second time in the past five years, Bulgaria is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. We stand firmly by the commitments we have undertaken and are working consistently to fulfil them,” emphasised the Bulgarian Foreign Minister in his address.
During the hearing of the Bulgarian delegation, the country’s chief diplomat presented the main legislative amendments and initiatives undertaken in response to the recommendations addressed to Bulgaria during the previous review in 2020. Despite the challenges on the international agenda, Bulgaria continues to apply the highest international standards in the field of human rights,” Georgiev.
Among the measures undertaken by the country, the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the fight against intolerance and discrimination, the empowerment of women and girls, the protection of the rights of children and persons with disabilities, as well as the full inclusion in society of individuals in vulnerable situations. The Minister further emphasised that, during the current year, the national human rights institutions have been strengthened – a new Ombudsman has been elected, along with a new leadership of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination.
“Bulgaria’s efforts in the areas of the rule of law, democracy and human rights are widely recognised by the international community. Two of the long-standing monitoring mechanisms in the field of justice and judicial reform have already been concluded. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area and is preparing for accession to the eurozone. These achievements attest to the sustained commitment of the Bulgarian authorities to democratic values and the rule of law,” stated Minister Georg Georgiev. He added that these very efforts have contributed to a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment, financial stability and an improved standard of living in the country.
During the subsequent interactive dialogue, more than ninety United Nations Member States delivered statements presenting their observations and recommendations regarding the human rights situation in Bulgaria. Particular attention was devoted to the measures against domestic violence, the safety of journalists, and the integration of the Roma community.
As a Member State of the United Nations, Bulgaria undergoes the Universal Periodic Review once every five years — the largest UN mechanism in the field of human rights. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev and included the Deputy Ministers of Justice, of the Interior, and of Labour and Social Policy, as well as heads of key institutions working on human-rights-related issues. Following the conclusion of the review, the Bulgarian authorities will have a new five-year period to implement the recommendations received.