Newsroom
Decisions on the execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Committee of Ministers today published the decisions and resolutions adopted at its 1243rd special “human rights” meeting
European Social Charter: launching of the new website
10 December, International Human Rights Day
“Islamic State” are not a state, nor are they Islamic - Terror has no religion
Secretary General warns against maligning or marginalising any religious group
Leyla Yunus release overdue
"I am relieved about Leyla Yunus’ long overdue release. I hope she can now begin a full recovery and put this ordeal behind her. Today our thoughts are also with the other human rights defenders currently deprived of their liberty in Azerbaijan", said Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. Read...
Protect refugees and migrants, respect their human rights
Refugees and migrants in Europe need protection and respect for their human rights. Joint UNHCR/Council of Europe statement to mark Human Rights Day on 10 December
Child sexual abuse in the circle of trust
New report recommends covering all perpetrators by law, improving data collection, reducing child’s trauma
Poland Constitutional Tribunal decision "welcome": Secretary General
Further to the decision of the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland regarding appointment of constitutional judges, Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland issued the following statement: "There has been a controversy about the appointment of constitutional judges in Poland recently. I welcome...
Fighting radicalisation and promoting dialogue at Lisbon Forum
In the wake of recent terror attacks that struck Paris, Bamako and Tunis, this year’s Lisbon Forum – How to combat radicalisation and terrorism – is of greater relevance than ever. From 3-4 December at Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre, some 300 government and NGO representatives, educators and legal...
European Court of Human Rights judgments: Committee of Ministers examines implementation
Representatives of the 47 member States of the Council of Europe will examine implementation of judgments and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on 8-10 December 2015. This supervisory role of the Committee of Ministers is provided for under Article 46 of the European Convention on...
New genome editing technologies - Support within certain limits
The scientific community is abuzz with discussion about the new technologies to modify genes such as CrisprCas9. In a statement today, the Council of Europe's Committee on bioethics DH-BIO said, “There is strong support for better understanding of causes of diseases and future treatment through...
End sexual abuse of children!
First monitoring report on how countries protect children will be presented in Strasbourg
Minority languages: Active efforts needed to raise awareness
The Council of Europe has published new recommendations to Poland and the Czech Republic on protection and promotion of minority languages, based on reports evaluating how the two countries comply with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. While acknowledging a well-developed...
Disability: Human rights should come first
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
European Human Rights Convention: 65 years
"The European Convention on Human Rights has become a glue that continues to bind our Continent together, despite our many differences and the historical and political rivalries between our States. It has become the basis for a common European legal space, built on shared standards. Most...
Council of Europe welcomes further signatures of anti-trafficking convention
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has welcomed Liechtenstein and Monaco signing up to the Council of Europe convention against human trafficking today. “People trafficking is a hideous abuse of human rights which has no place in 21st century Europe,” he said. “Our legally-binding treaty helps...
Hungary’s response to refugee challenge falls short on human rights
An effective response to the current refugee movements across Europe can only be found through concerted European action, but states must continue to abide by their human rights obligations. “I am concerned that Hungary has not lived up to this challenge” said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe...
Council of Europe turns “orange” to end violence against women
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and Strasbourg Deputy Mayor, Nawel Rafik-Elmrini, hosted a ceremony today to illuminate the Council of Europe’s Palais de l’Europe building in orange, in support of efforts to stop violence against women. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange was selected...
Human rights of migrants and refugees: Council of Europe to intensify monitoring
Increasing reports of ill-treatment of migrants and refugees in Europe, for example attacks on homes for asylum seekers or the excessive use of force by police at borders, are a cause for concern according to Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. He is also concerned about problematic conditions...
Violence against women: Europe must become a zone of zero tolerance
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November 2015, Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe issued the following statement: “Violence against women and girls remains one of the most serious – and sadly most tolerated – human-rights...
Terrorism can be fought through better cooperation
The Consultative Council of European Prosecutors (CCPE) publishes a Declaration on the fight against terrorism
Democracy Innovation Award
World Forum for Democracy Award goes to the Swedish initiative More than One Story – a card game to promote integration and inclusion
World Forum for Democracy Opens
The 2015 World Forum for Democracy “Freedom vs. control: For a democratic response” has opened with statements by the Secretary of State for European Affairs of France, Harlem Désir, and Michaëlle Jean, Secretary General of the Organisation international de la Francophonie. The fourth event of...
End sexual abuse of children !
18 November is the first Europe-wide action day
Paris terrorist attacks: Statement by the Committee of Ministers
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, representing the governments of the 47 member States, condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric attacks carried out in Paris last Friday. It pays homage to the memory of the many victims and extends its deepest sympathy to their families and...
"Bring the spirit of resistance alive" - Jean-Claude Frécon reacts to attacks in Paris
Reacting to the terrible events in Paris, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Jean-Claude Frécon, said: ''Paris, a city that is the symbol of cultures and of freedom, has been hit by the terrorism of Isis: a nameless barbarism has struck the...
Shock and sorrow: Anne Brasseur reacts to the Paris attacks
"I am deeply shocked and utterly appalled by the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated last night in Paris. On behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims as well as to the people of France," said...
Terrorist attacks in Paris
Statement by Daniel Mitov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers
Attacks in Paris: Statement by Thorbjørn Jagland
"I am shocked by the horrific attacks in Paris last night. Our solidarity and thoughts are with the people of France today and with President Hollande. The terrorists aimed to attack our freedom, democracy and human rights. But Europe will stand strong in defending our common values". Letter to...
Improving protection for victims of forced labour and human trafficking
“Everyone in Europe - children, women and men - should be protected from forced labour and trafficking in human beings, two serious human rights violations. The latest International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates indicate some 20.9 million people around the world still being subjected to...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on Bulgaria
The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) published today the report on its most recent visit to Bulgaria (13 to 20 February 2015), together with the response of the Bulgarian authorities. The visit was an opportunity...
Death of Helmut Schmidt: Statement by the Secretary General
“Helmut Schmidt combined the best qualities of a true patriot and convinced internationalist”
Bosnia and Herzegovina hands over chairmanship to Bulgaria
The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe today passed from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Bulgaria, at a meeting at the Organisation's Strasbourg headquarters, attended by representatives of its 47 member States. Before handing over the chairmanship to his successor, the...
Ireland signs Istanbul Convention
Today, Ireland is the 39th country to sign the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. “I welcome Ireland’s signing today as a step to ratification as soon as possible,” said Council of Europe...
Internet Governance Forum 2015
Mass surveillance, threats to privacy and freedom of expression
Facing mass surveillance and other threats to privacy and freedom of expression
IAP report on Odesa events
Investigation of May 2014 events in Odesa failed to comply with requirements of European Human Right Convention, says International Advisory Panel’s report
65th Anniversary of the Convention
The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, better known as the European Convention on Human Rights, was signed in Rome (Italy) on 4 November 1950 by 12 member states of the Council of Europe and entered into force on 3 September 1953. It was the first instrument...
EU-Council of Europe joint project “Regional Support for Inclusive Education”
The Final Conference of the European Union - Council of Europe joint project “Regional Support for Inclusive Education” will take place in Sarajevo on 5 - 6 November. It is organised in the framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers and...
Human Rights report on Ukraine
Eastern Ukraine: urgent need to guarantee freedom of movement and humanitarian access
Parliamentary elections in Turkey
Elections in Turkey offered voters variety of choices, but process was hindered by challenging security environment, incidents of violence and restrictions against media, international election observers say
Secretary General expresses condolences over Russian airliner crash
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has issued this statement: "I was devastated to hear of the fatal crash of a Russian airliner in central Sinai today. This is a terrible loss to our member State the Russian Federation. I extend my sincere condolences to all who have lost...
General elections in Turkey: statement by the Secretary General
"I have written to congratulate Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu after yesterday's election with a strong voter turnout. I trust when the new government is formed it will take the initiative to tackle the many challenges facing Turkey today and to build an inclusive society embracing all those who...
How to promote the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
A Council of Europe conference on Promoting Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities is scheduled to take place in Dublin on 5-6 November 2015, in cooperation with the Department of Justice and Equality of Ireland. The aim of the conference will be to review how member states have implemented...
The role of religions in fighting extremism
Council of Europe Exchange on building inclusive societies in Sarajevo, 2-3 November
Cultural Routes across European borders
Annual Advisory Forum 2015
Ukraine constitutional amendments - judiciary, Donetsk and Luhansk
Venice Commission Opinions
2015 Crystal Scales of Justice Prize
The Judicial Institute for Scotland has just been awarded for an initiative entitled “The Judicial HUB”
Effective implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights
Effective implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights and the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is a top political priority for the Council of Europe. It depends both on political will and on the existence of appropriate legal procedures at the...
Congress adopts declaration on reception of refugees in Europe
The States of Europe must assume shared responsibility for accommodating refugees on their territory in line with the applicable right to asylum and human dignity. That was the message from the members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in a declaration...
Foreign terrorist fighters
Eighteen signatories open the way by signing new Additional Protocol to Convention on Prevention of Terrorism
Congress adopts Recommendations on the local elections in Albania and Moldova
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe on 21 October considered the reports prepared by its delegations which had observed on the spot the conduct of the local elections in Albania on 21 June 2015 and in the Republic of Moldova on 14 June 2015. Two separate...
Greece: Group of States against Corruption Report
Greece urged to secure integrity in parliament and in the judiciary, a new anti-corruption report says
Monitoring implementation of the Istanbul Convention: new synergies
High-level Conference
National minorities in Estonia
The authorities should continue their efforts to facilitate the access to Estonian citizenship, according to a Council of Europe report
Conference on effective implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights
Effective implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights and the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is a top political priority for the Council of Europe. It depends both on political will and on the existence of appropriate legal procedures at the...
Human rights situation in Azerbaijan
PACE President writes to Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev citing "deepest concerns" over human rights situation
Human rights report on San Marino
San Marino: media freedom and gender equality should be improved
International conference calls for equal access to justice for women
The Council of Europe is tackling the theme of access to justice for women, in a conference in Bern, Switzerland. Council of Europe General Director of Democracy Snežana Samardžić-Marković outlined specific examples of a lack of justice for women, from court testimonies given less weight because...
The new development agenda should fulfil human rights
“Most European countries have become accustomed to seeing the United Nations (UN) development agenda as being “for export”, as not directly relevant for Europe itself. However, the economic crisis and austerity have made this universal agenda topical on our continent as well. The 2030 Agenda for...
Partnership to protect journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists and Index on Censorship join online platform
Human Rights report on Slovakia
"Slovakia has to step up its efforts aimed at combating and eradicating discrimination in law and practice, and take effective measures to improve the protection of Roma, persons with disabilities and LGBTI persons," said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights,...
Anti-Racism Reports: Estonia, Austria, Czech Republic
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published new reports on Austria, Czech Republic and Estonia, analysing recent developments and outstanding issues, and providing recommendations to the authorities. According to ECRI’s Chair, Christian Ahlund, the authorities of...
Freedom of Expression: still a precondition for democracy?
Judges, government officials, journalists and activists tackle challenges to free expression in Strasbourg conference
Attack in Ankara
Statement by Igor Crnadak, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nobel Peace Prize
The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers congratulates the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet
Foreign terrorist fighters
Council of Europe to launch new legal arsenal
Secretary General visits Bulgaria prior to Council of Europe Chairmanship
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland is paying an official visit to Bulgaria on 12 October to hold meetings with the President of the Republic, Rosen Plevneliev, the President of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva, the Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel...
Secretary General condemns attack in Ankara
Council of Europe Secretary General condemns attack on demonstration in Ankara
Death Penalty Day
Europe underlines its firm opposition to capital punishment
Council of Europe leaves Azerbaijan human rights working group
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, today informed the Committee of Ministers of his decision to withdraw the Council’s participation in the joint working group on human rights issues in Azerbaijan. Since October 2014, a Council of Europe representative had been...
European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation 2015
Council of Europe encourages European citizens to help save lives and become organ donors
Protecting investigative journalism
Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland in Norway for conference on investigative journalism on 8 October
Aleksandar Vučić: ‘Serbia has become one of the pillars of stability in the Balkan’
“Serbia has become one of the pillars of stability in the Balkan. I think we have contributed a lot to what is at least a peaceful environment. That is not to say that we do not still face many difficulties and many challenges in the region, which is still fragile”, today said the Prime Minister...
Human Rights report on Germany
Germany's efforts to protect refugees are remarkable. Now it has to boost integration and improve fight against racism
Anti-immigrant sentiment was rising in Germany before refugee influx
Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) publishes new opinion
Council of Europe launches new platform against corruption in education
The Council of Europe has today launched at the Charles University a new “platform” to fight corruption in education: the Pan-European Platform on Ethics, Transparency and Integrity in Education (ETINED). The platform will be made up of a network of specialists from the 50 states, which are...
