NEWS

Rosen Plevneliev at the UN: Bulgaria remains committed to reform of its judicial and law enforcement systems

The rule of law is the foundation on which to build a predictable and equitable international order and represents the best strategy for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. This was said by  President Rosen Plevneliev in New York at the UN Summit on "The Rule of Law at national and international levels", dedicated to the relationship between the rule of law, human rights and democratic processes in the context of the principles and values of UN.

President Plevneliev said that Bulgaria would continue to support the universal abolition of the death penalty. He noted that at the beginning of this year, Bulgaria has acceded to the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and will do what is necessary to accelerate the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

“The United Nations is called upon to play a leading role in the fight against impunity and crimes against humanity,” President Plevneliev said, and urged UN member states to join their efforts in support of the International Criminal Court. “The evidence of numerous acts of violence and killings in Syria calls for the situation to be investigated by the International Criminal Court,” the President. He said that the ability to render justice is crucial for effective counterterrorism. “The terrorist act on our soil a few months ago made us stronger and more determined. Bulgaria has adhered to 15 international Conventions and Protocols related to the fight against international terrorism and looks forward to the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism,” President Plevneliev said.

In his statement to the High Level Forum, the President announced Bulgaria's decision to put forward its bid for membership of the Human Rights Council for the period 2019-2021, and to support its work in defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. “Although we have an extensive record in this regard, we view our potential membership as a challenge and an opportunity to further develop Bulgaria’s domestic policies applying the highest possible standards,” the President said.

President Plevneliev said that Bulgaria remains committed to continuing the process of reforming its judicial and law enforcement systems. “The reforms in this sector refer both to introducing new and improved legislation as well as achieving tangible progress in combating crime and corruption, the President said and confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to continue its co-operation with the EU in this regard.