To be held for the first time in Turku, Finland, on 4 May 2023, the Council of Europe Human Rights Day will bring together leading expert speakers to discuss the Council of Europe’s impact on human rights in Finland. The event will be organised as part of the project Council of Europe Days – Telling the CoEs Story, which encourages member states play a leading role in ensuring that their citizens are able to exercise their rights and freedoms to participate in building the democracies where they live. In this context, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the Council of Europe, asked Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge, to explain the origin of the initiative:
“It is crucial to raise citizens’ knowledge and understanding of the work of the Council of Europe. Very few know that the Council of Europe safeguards fundamental rights in Europe today. We need to explain to the general public what this means for each of us as citizens of Europe. By telling the story of the Council of Europe, we can also help people understand the importance of multilateral cooperation and, more generally, make them appreciate the work of international organisations”, replied the Deputy Secretary General.
The thematic focus of this first event will be on resilience and civil participation at the municipal level. The emphasis will be on the work undertaken by the Council of Europe and its stakeholders to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The event, aimed at decision-makers, experts, researchers and local resident, is jointly organised by the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the Human Rights Centre, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the City of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The programme will include expert discussions, a public event and a research seminar. The event will take place in a different location in Finland each year.
More information:
Council of Europe Human Rights Day in Turku, Finland (Finnish Swedish)
Register for the Research Seminar on the Council of Europe Human Rights Day (Event held in English)
