“Seventy-five years after the creation of the Council of Europe, when I think of the first signatories of the Treaty of London, I often ask myself: what would they think of us today? Vast as was their vision, their optimism, and their determination. As strong as their desire to work towards a future of justice founded on greater unity between its members. Could they really have imagined, when they signed our Statute, all that this gesture would entail? Like the expansion of Europe's first post-war international organisation, from ten member states initially to 46 today”, stated Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, while marking the 75th anniversary of the organisation at a commemorative ceremony at Strasbourg Opera House.
The Secretary General took stock of the Council of Europe’s main achievements, highlighting the relevance of more than 200 treaties, including the European Convention of Human Rights, and all the soft law instruments. She underlined the importance of the establishment of a death penalty free zone, the fight against torture and inhuman and degrading treatments, the rights of national minorities and of minority languages, the Istanbul Convention combating violence against women and domestic violence, the work to protect LGBTI rights, the rule of law’s reach, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to corruption and money-laundering.
In line with the Reykjavik agenda, Marija Pejčinović Burić also mentioned new challenges: the draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, the enhanced work on the environment and human rights, the setting up of the Register of Damage, ensuring support for Ukraine and accountability for the Russian Federation’s ongoing war of aggression.
“What was started by visionary leaders in 1949 continues to the benefit of people throughout Europe and the wider world in 2024. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are not a fixed destination, but a force for good that must always be harnessed and applied. Yes, there are serious challenges to our values and to multilateralism. But the Council of Europe is a unique achievement in the world that continues to do unparalleled good. With stamina, determination, and political will, it will not only survive the challenges it faces but prove central to solving them. I have every confidence in this organisation. May its next 75 years be as successful”, concluded the Secretary General.
As the Council of Europe turns 75, PACE President hails the organisation’s ‘revolutionary spirit’
