On the 3rd of April 2024, at the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security and at the Utrecht University, Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Council of Europe gave presentations on the Council of Europe’s central role in strengthening human rights, the rule of law and democracy. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, the Ambassadors remarks to students and officials focused on the evolution of the Organisation’s priorities from the past to the present, and looking forward into the future.
At the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, the ambassador emphasized the Council of Europe’s work regarding justice, common norms and policy, and challenges for the rule of law. She also discussed the work of the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe human rights system, in which the European Court of Human Rights, the Committee of Ministers and the execution department play their respective roles.
On reports and recommendations made by Council of Europe monitoring bodies, Ambassador Gonggrijp said to her colleagues: “See the Council of Europe as your friend who helps you stick to the rules and standards, we all together agreed upon.” It can be a lot of work for civil servants to react to and implement the recommendations. Ambassador Gonggrijp advised to work closely together with colleagues from different ministries, discuss together and see it as an extra push in the right direction.
At Utrecht University, international, masters law students learned the Organisation’s achievements and current priorities, such as gender equality and the execution of judgements. Together with Prof. Mr. Janneke Gerards (member of the Venice Commission) and Prof. Mr. Miriam Kullman (member of the European Committee on Social Rights), the students were also given professional insight into the roles of the different Council of Europe bodies and the work at the Permanent Representation to ensure The Netherlands’ input into improving lives for Dutch citizens and all Europeans.
