Statement
Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine, 2 years on: our common struggle in defence of Ukrainian people’s human rights
Tomorrow marks two years since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and two years of immense suffering for the Ukrainian people. The war rages on, and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue to be committed. Each new...
Statement
Russia: decision to label the ‘international LGBTI movement’ as extremist is a grave attack against LGBTI people and human rights defenders
“The Russian Supreme Court’s labeling of the 'international LGBTI movement' as extremist is a grave attack on LGBTI people and those who defend their human rights”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic. “This stance goes against the fundamental principle...
Statement
Anna Politkovskaya: the pardon is an insult to justice. It should not stop the fight for truth
“The pardon by the Russian authorities of one of the men convicted in the murder of Anna Politkovskaya is an insult to justice, compounded by the fact that the masterminds behind this horrific crime were never revealed nor convicted,” said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human...
Statement
The assault on Elena Milashina and Aleksandr Nemov is a crime that must not remain unpunished
“Today's brutal attack on Novaya Gazeta journalist Elena Milashina and lawyer Aleksandr Nemov in the Republic of Chechnya is an appalling act of violence that shows contempt for human dignity and the importance of press freedom”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja...
Statement
Oleg Orlov's trial is a travesty of justice
“Oleg Orlov's trial which begins tomorrow, is a travesty of justice that shows contempt for the most basic human rights”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. “Oleg Orlov - a prominent human rights defender and long-time partner of my office – faces a...
Statement
Human rights defenders in Russia need support
The Moscow city court’s decision to liquidate the Moscow Helsinki Group, the oldest and most reputable human rights group in Russia, founded in 1976, is yet another worrying illustration of the reprisals and harassment human rights defenders face in Russia. Like previous decisions, including...
Statement
Member states should provide more support to Russian and Belarusian human rights defenders
The recent awards of the Nobel Peace Prize and of the Vaclav Havel Prize to human rights defenders from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine is an additional recognition by the international community of the crucial role defenders play in advancing and protecting human rights for all, especially in times...
Statement
Russian authorities should stop the unprecedented crackdown on freedoms of expression, assembly and association in the country
Russia's military attack against Ukraine has lasted for almost 12 days now, causing death and destruction. It is also leading to a large-scale repression of freedoms in the Russian Federation. Since the war began, more than 13 000 people, including children and elderly people, have been arrested...
Statement
The killing and suffering of people in Ukraine has to stop now
“For the sixth day now, Russia's military attack against Ukraine has continued to sow death and destruction in the heart of Europe. In just a few days, the war has led to the death or injury of hundreds of people, including many children. The latest shelling of the city of Kharkiv has laid bare...
Statement
Commissioner for Human Rights’ statement on the situation in Ukraine
What had seemed unthinkable in Europe in the 21st century has just happened. Our continent is today once more being drawn into an armed conflict. The Russian military attack on Ukraine has already resulted in the loss of human life and dire human suffering. It exposes millions of people in...
* On 16 March 2022, the Committee of Ministers adopted a decision by which the Russian Federation ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe, after 26 years of membership.
** All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
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* On 16 March 2022, the Committee of Ministers adopted a decision by which the Russian Federation ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe, after 26 years of membership.
** All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.