"The study of bioethics is as relevant today as ever. Advances in technology, medicine and biology have not only led to new perspectives of ongoing debates on controversial issues such as euthanasia, abortion, or the right to refuse medical care on religious grounds, but also to the development of new ethical questions in fields of inquiry such as surrogacy, cloning and organ donation. The ethical evaluation of issues concerning biology and medicine has gradually grown into a distinct and constantly expanding field of study. In view of the above, this seminar which was under the Cyprus Chairmanship of the Council of Europe was indeed of great significance. The seminar’s deliberations would undoubtedly strengthen society’s understanding of human rights in biomedicine. The assessment by the various distinguish speakers at the seminar of existing initiatives and case-law in the field, as well as the comparative analysis of the existing trends and legislation, would enable the further understanding of the parameters of the debate and assist in the reformulation of the questions by taking into account the existing literature, case-law and experience. Furthermore, the thorough analysis of the existing case-law as carried out so successfully at the seminar would allow forward thinking on the future of  this ever-changing field.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to, the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, to the speakers and to all participants, who contributed in making this Conference a forum of a valuable exchange of knowledge, practices and ideas."