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32nd Session of the Congress to focus on migration, citizen participation and local and regional democracy in Europe
The 32nd Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will take place in Strasbourg from 28 to 30 March and will include several debates focusing on the role of local authorities facing migration, the reception of unaccompanied child migrants and border regions facing migration...
Rights of people with disabitlies in Europe: a new strategy based on ability rather than disability
The Council of Europe launched today its new Disability Strategy 2017-2023 at a two-day conference in Nicosia (Cyprus) to support its 47 member states in making human rights a reality for all. The strategy focuses on five rights-based priority areas which are anchored in the European Convention...
Council of Europe calls on Hungary to reconsider new law that risks exposing migrant children to sexual exploitation
In a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, published today, Claude Janizzi, the Chairperson of the Council of Europe Lanzarote Committee expressed his concern that the adopted law – “On the amendment of certain acts related to increasing the strictness of procedures carried out in the...
Conference on Strasbourg Court´s case law on freedom of expression
A conference to discuss the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on media freedom and freedom of expression is bringing together in Strasbourg today judges and lawyers of the European Court of Human Rights, media lawyers, academics, policymakers, journalists, media professionals and...
New standards on community sanctions and preventing radicalisation in prisons and probation
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted this week a Recommendation to governments containing the European rules on community sanctions and measures. The new rules aim to strike a balance between protection of society and improving the social reintegration of offenders....
Slovenia: More should be done to ensure that Roma, migrants and those in poverty are not left behind
During his visit in Slovenia from 20 to 23 March, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, examined the situation of Roma, migrants and asylum seekers and of the increasing number of people living in poverty in the country. He stressed the centrality of human rights to...
Committee of Ministers´ recommendation calls for strong regulations on lobbying
The Council of Europe has called on its 47 member states to ensure that they have in force a strong legal framework promoting transparency of lobbying activities. In a Recommendation, the Committee of Ministers – the executive body of the organisation – recognises that lobbying can make a...
Terrorist attack in London
Statement by Ioannis Kasoulides, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Trafficking in human beings: Latvia should improve the identification, protection and compensation of victims
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) considers that Latvia has strengthened its legislation but asks the authorities to improve the identification, protection and compensation of victims of trafficking. From...
London attack: statement by Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland
Reacting to the events in London this afternoon, the Secretary General of the 47-nation Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, said: “I am very alarmed by the events in Westminster this afternoon, which appear to have resulted in a number of casualties. Our thoughts are with all those hurt or...
SRSG identifies main challenges for migrant and refugee children in Europe
The Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees (SRSG), Tomáš Boček publishes a Thematic Report on migrant and refugee children. The report, based on his on-the-ground experience gathered during the fact-finding missions in 2016*, calls for urgent measures to find...
Rights of people with disabilities in Europe: a new strategy based on ability rather than disability
There are 80 million persons in Europe who live with a disability and many of them continue to be victims of discrimination or abuse. In response, the Council of Europe will be launching its new Disability Strategy 2017-2023 at a conference in Nicosia (Cyprus) on 27 and 28 March. “Our focus must...
Cyprus Chairmanship Conference in Nicosia: 'Securing Democracy through Education'
Education to fight violent extremism and radicalisation leading to terrorism. Education to build Inclusive Societies, valuing diversity and dialogue. Education to create a provision for refugees, from short term solutions to long term integration. These major challenges that Education systems are...
21 March 2017: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Statement by Ioannis Kasoulides, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Combatting human trafficking: Armenia has made good progress, but more effort needed to prevent the crime and help victims
Armenia has advanced in the legislation and practices for preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings, said the Council of Europe Group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings (GRETA), in its new report published today. However, more needs to be done to prevent...
Preventing corruption in top governmental functions
The Council of Europe anti-corruption body (GRECO) is organising a High Level conference in Strasbourg on 20 March to discuss the prevention of corruption in top governmental functions and law enforcement agencies. Speakers include Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Attorney...
Portugal should improve the identification and protection of child victims of trafficking in human beings, according to GRETA
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) urges the Portuguese authorities to improve the identification and protection of child victims of trafficking. GRETA’s second report on Portugal’s implementation of the...
Malta urged to improve assistance of victims of human trafficking
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has urged Malta to step up efforts to provide assistance, including safe accommodation, to victims of human trafficking. The report assesses developments since the...
Canada joins Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s film co-production fund
Canada has become the first non-European country to accede to the Council of Europe’s cultural fund, Eurimages, as an associate member. The country joins 37 European states already participating in the Fund, which distributes 25 million euros annually to film co-production, distribution and...
Ten years in partnership for human rights, democracy and the rule of law
The European Union and the Council of Europe share a mutual commitment to human rights, the rule of law and democracy. 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of their Memorandum of Understanding. With Europe facing many challenges – populism, extremism, terrorism, xenophobia, the refugee crisis – the...
