News 2016
Congress rapporteurs complete fact-finding mission to Turkey
From 18 to 20 December 2016, the rapporteurs on Turkey of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Anders KNAPE (Sweden, EPP/CCE) and Leen VERBEEK (Netherlands, SOC) carried out the second part of their fact-finding mission to Turkey, to investigate the recent...
Recent terrorist attacks in Europe
Statement by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Suspected terrorist attack in Berlin: Secretary General statement
'The Council of Europe mourns with Germany today for the victims of the suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Berlin which killed and injured so many innocent people. The responsible way in which the German authorities are handling and communicating this crisis is exemplary. I express...
Statement by Secretary General Jagland on murder of Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the assassination of the Russian Federation's Ambassador to Turkey in Ankara today. I present my sincere condolences to the Russian authorities and to the family and colleagues of Ambassador Karlov. All of us at the Council of Europe express our solidarity...
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland condemns terrorist attack in Turkey
Statement on bomb attack in Turkish city of Kayseri
North-South Prize 2016 recognises efforts towards migrants, refugees and democracy
The North-South Center of the Council of Europe is pleased to announce that Ms Guisepina Nicolini, Mayor of the City of Lampedusa, and Ms Mbarka Brahmi, member of the Tunisian parliament have accepted the nomination of the jury of the North South Prize to be the recipients of the 2016 North South...
Anti-torture committee criticises inadequate safeguards for foreign nationals returned by air from Italy and Spain
In two reports published today on Italy and Spain, the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee (CPT) criticises the lack of adequate safeguards for foreign national returned by air from these countries, in particular concerning the way the individuals concerned are informed of their imminent...
Cooperation with national human rights bodies to protect freedom of expression and journalists
The Council of Europe and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) are jointly organising on 15 December in Strasbourg a high level seminar to discuss the potential for co-operation to promote and protect freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in member...
Key to Europe becoming a death penalty free area lies in Belarus, say participants at Minsk conference
A conference on the abolition of the death penalty and public opinion, organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus was held in Minsk today. Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Yevgeny Shestakov and the UK Ambassador to Belarus Fionna Gibb...
Latvia urged to ensure gender equality and foster an inclusive society
Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks releases report on his visit to the country in September
GRECO report: Greece should step up its fight against corruption in politics
A new report by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) on Greece finds that transparency in party financing and the incriminations of bribery and trading in influence have not improved further since it last issued a report in June 2015. Despite recommendations by GRECO...
Committee of Ministers reviews the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
On 7-9 December, representatives of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe held their fourth “Human Rights” meeting of 2016, during which they examined the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in keeping with the supervisory role of the Committee of Ministers,...
Secretary General condemns terrorist attacks in Turkey, conveys condolences
Statement on the Istanbul bomb attacks
Turkey : state of emergency justified but measures taken excessive - Venice Commission
An opinion adopted today by the Council of Europe’s constitutional law experts – the Venice Commission – concludes that Turkish authorities had been confronted “with a dangerous armed conspiracy” and had “good reasons” to declare the state of emergency, but that measures taken by the Government...
Lithuania: ensure better protection for persons with disabilities, children and victims of domestic violence
“I welcome the commitment expressed by the authorities to move away from the practice of placing children without parental care and people with disabilities in institutions. However, many persons continue to live in an institutional environment. The authorities should intensify their efforts to...
International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December
To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, the president of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), Marin Mrčela, today made the following statement: “Combating corruption is not only a matter of new laws, but also a matter of ethics and individual behaviour,...
Hate speech is not free speech, says Secretary General ahead of Human Rights Day
Speaking ahead of Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, has warned that hate speech and free speech should not be confused. “We look back at what has been achieved and we think of the many people who have endured hardship and given...
Abolition of death penalty and public opinion
The death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights: the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. It does not deter crime more effectively that other punishments, and it is impossible to ensure that innocent people are not executed. The...
National human rights structures: protecting human rights while countering terrorism
Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks publishes his latest Human Rights Comment
Secretary General Jagland on official visit to Moscow for talks with President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland is visiting Moscow on 6-7 December 2016 with an official visit to meet with the President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Speaker of the Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation...
Counter-terrorism operations in the South East of Turkey caused widespread human rights violations
“Numerous human rights of a very large civilian population in South-Eastern Turkey have been violated as a result of curfews imposed and anti-terrorism operations conducted there since August 2015. I call on Turkey to stop using curfews in such a manner, investigate all allegations of human...
Under-representation of women in political life undermines democratic processes in the Eastern Partnership countries: new study
Democracy should apply to all women and men equally, concluded participants at an international conference that took place in Kyiv on 1 December, where a new regional study on the situation in Eastern Partnership countries was presented. The event focused on women’s political representation in...
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In the run-up to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), the head of the 47-nation Council of Europe has called on European governments to draw on the newly-adopted Disability Strategy (2017-2023) to make human rights a reality for all. Secretary General Jagland said:...
Mexico to join the Council of Europe’s drug policy platform The Pompidou Group
Mexico will become the 39th member of the Council of Europe’s drug policy cooperation platform The Pompidou Group, it was announced today by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Earlier this month in Venice, Ambassador Santiago Oñate Laborde of Mexico presented Mexico’s drug policies...
Council of Europe at the 2016 Internet Governance Forum
The protection of privacy and personal data continue to face unprecedented threats – linked to mass surveillance and other risks. Cybercrime is increasing as the internet and communication technology develop across borders. International co-operation and the effective implementation of legally...
Hungary should make money-laundering fight a greater priority
The Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing body (MONEYVAL) in its report published today, welcomes that the number of investigations and prosecutions for money laundering in Hungary are on the rise. However, it considers that the fight against money laundering...
Budapest ministerial sports conference
Council of Europe and WADA sign partnership agreement
Ministerial sports conference in Budapest: a unified approach to integrity in sport
Speaking at the opening of the conference, the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, stressed the need for a unified approach to integrity in sport to address challenges: “there will be no progress on match-fixing unless governments agree to, and...
Ireland: advance equality of Travellers and women
“I am deeply concerned at the persisting social exclusion and discrimination Travellers are confronted with in Ireland”, said the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks today, concluding a three-day visit to the country. With Travellers having been affected in a gravely...
End violence against women: 25 November
25 November : International campaign for the elimination of violence against women. The Human Rights Channel website includes an “Actions” page which asks you to share this message on the web and on social media. >Help us to help them!
New opinion on the role of court presidents
The Council of Europe’s Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) adopted an opinion on the role of court presidents. In this Opinion, the CCJE clarifies the role of court presidents concerning the representation of the court, relations within the court with other judges, and presidents’...
Refugees speak out at Lisbon Forum, amid calls to improve coordination of humanitarian aid
Refugees from Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria explained their experiences at this year’s Lisbon Forum, as calls were made to improve coordination to assist them as humanitarian crises continue. Adam, a 26-year-old Syrian student in Portugal, explained how programmes like the Global Platform for...
Celebrating 10 years of stronger Council of Europe/EU relations
Secretary General Jagland and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, are launching a series of initiatives to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union. In the presence...
Committee of Ministers: Estonia hands over chairmanship to Cyprus
The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe today passed from Estonia to Cyprus, at a meeting at the Organisation's Strasbourg headquarters, attended by representatives of its 47 member States. Before handing over the chairmanship to his successor, the outgoing Chair,...
Doping, match-fixing and good governance on the agenda of Sport Ministers conference in Hungary
European Sport Ministers will meet on Tuesday 29 November in Budapest (Hungary) at a conference organised by the Council of Europe under its Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), aimed at more effectively combating doping, promoting implementation of the Convention on match-fixing and...
Armenia: positive developments for life prisoners, problems with prison conditions
In its new report on Armenia published today, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) noted positive developments in the treatment of life-sentenced prisoners, but pointed out remaining problems with ill-treatment in the police custody, understaffing and lack of...
Russian Federation: The Group of States against Corruption publishes its Second Compliance Report
The Council of Europe’s anti-corruption group (GRECO) today made public its Second Compliance Report on the Russian Federation concerning incriminations (criminalisation of corruption) and transparency of party funding. GRECO concludes that the Russian Federation has now implemented...
Deputy Secretary General at WADA meeting in Glasgow
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni participated today, as one of the European representatives, to the Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Prior to this meeting, public authorities' officials met in London, at the invitation of the Council of...
Azerbaijan: Statement by Secretary General Jagland on the decision of the Supreme Court today rejecting the appeal by Ilgar Mammadov
“Today, Azerbaijan’s highest court has failed to uphold the country’s legal obligation to execute the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. The severity of this development for Azerbaijan as a member of the Council of Europe cannot be underestimated. Azerbaijan’s flagrant disrespect of...
Intolerable detention conditions during Belgian prison strike says Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee
In its report published today, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has described the disturbing situation it found during its visit in May 2016 to Huy, Ittre and Jamioulx prisons, as well as in the social defence...
End Child Sex Abuse Day
European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse
Treaties of Nijmegen Medal for the European Court of Human Rights
President Guido Raimondi has received the prestigious Treaties of Nijmegen Medal on behalf of the European Court of Human Rights at a ceremony in the Netherlands on Friday 18 November. The prize is awarded every two years to a key international figure or institution in recognition of their...
Official visit of the President of Poland Andrzej Duda
Polish President Andrzej Duda today paid an official visit to the Council of Europe. Following a meeting with Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, President Duda had an exchange of views with the Ministers’ Deputies. He also met with Guido Raimondi, President of the European Court of Human...
Cybercrime: towards a new legal tool on electronic evidence
“The 15th anniversary of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime is a turning point, in that the Convention is now reaching out into the ‘clouds’,” said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, at the opening of the 2016 Octopus conference. Data, and therefore electronic...
Migrants in limbo in Europe have the right to live in dignity
“In some countries, they call them “invisible persons”, in others – “ghosts”. Throughout Europe there are many migrants, primarily rejected asylum seekers, who live in a state of protracted legal and social limbo without any long-term prospects.”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe...
European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse
Statement by Jürgen Ligi, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Protecting you and your rights: the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime fifteen years on
Fifteen years after its adoption, the Budapest Convention remains the most effective international treaty on cybercrime and the rule of law in cyberspace. Achievements and challenges, such as access to electronic evidence and the use of information technology for terrorist purposes, will be...
Internment of Gypsies by France between 1940 and 1946
Special Representative for Roma Issues welcomes President Francois Hollande’s historic acknowledgement
"Public Service Media and Democracy" conference in Prague 10-11 November 2016
On 10 November 2016 in Prague, the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, will open a conference on ‘Public Service Media and Democracy’. The conference is jointly organised by the Council of Europe and its...
Democracy Innovation Award
The Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award goes to German initiative in favour of higher education for refugees
2016 Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue
The role of education in the prevention of radicalisation
World Forum for Democracy (7-9 November 2016, Strasbourg)
“Democracy and equality: does education matter?”
Statement by Jürgen Ligi, Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Situation in Turkey
Conference in Tallinn on children’s rights in migration crisis and digital environment
An international conference on Children’s rights in the migration crisis and the digital environment is taking place in Tallinn, Estonia from 3 to 4 November 2016. It is held under the current Estonian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In his opening speech,...
Secretary General Jagland concerned about the situation of Ildar Dadin
Thorbjørn Jagland yesterday expressed his concern about allegations of ill-treatment of human rights activist Ildar Dadin in a telephone call to Alexander Konovalov, Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation. The Secretary General underlined the importance of the joint work carried out by the...
Nominations for UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award 2017
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced the opening of nominations for the 2017 Nansen Refugee Award. The award is bestowed on a person or group for outstanding work on behalf of the forcibly displaced, and aims to showcase the values of perseverance and conviction...
Rotterdam: Summit of Mayors for the “Alliance of European cities against violent extremism”
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the City of Rotterdam and the European Forum for Urban Security (Efus) are organising a Summit of Mayors for the “Alliance of European cities against violent extremism” on Wednesday 9 November 2016 in Rotterdam, the...
Anti-torture committee critical of treatment and conditions of migrants and refugees in Hungary
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) welcomes cooperation of Hungarian authorities during its visit last year to detention centres and police detention facilities for foreigners, but...
The Czech Republic should improve measures to prevent corruption among MPs, judges and prosecutors
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the Czech authorities to make substantial reforms to strengthen the prevention of corruption among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors (see also the Czech version of the report) GRECO...
Turkey: Secretary General Jagland concerned about state of emergency measures and freedom of expression
Council of Europe of Secretary General Jagland has commented on recent developments in Turkey in a statement released on Monday: "It is highly questionable if the raid against Cumhuriyet can be justified as a proportionate measure, even under the state of emergency. I am also concerned about the...
Secretary General on official visit to Monaco
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland will have an Audience with Prince Albert II of Monaco and meet the followings officials: - Mr Philippe Narmino, Director of Judicial Services - Mr Serge Telle, Minister of State - Mr Christophe Steiner, Chairman of the National...
Statement by the Spokesperson of the Secretary General on the arrest of co-mayors of Diyarbakır
It is a matter of particular concern to the Council of Europe when democratically-elected representatives are deprived of their liberty. We will ask the authorities in our member state Turkey to provide us with the necessary explanations.
Council of Europe calls on member states to ban genetic tests for insurance purposes
The Council of Europe calls upon the Governments of its Member States to ensure non-discrimination, including on grounds of genetic characteristics, and the protection of private life in the framework of insurance contracts covering risks related to health, age or death. “People’s health and...
Secretary General meets Hungarian Justice Minister László Trócsányi
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland on Tuesday met the Hungarian Justice Minister, László Trócsányi. Minsiter Trócsányi reported that new legislation had been adopted to provide an effective remedy to victims of prison ovecrowding in line with a pilot judgment (Varga and others) by the European...
The European day of justice is celebrated in 18 member States of the Council of Europe
The European Day of Justice is celebrated each year around the 25 October. It aims to bring justice closer to citizens, to inform them on their rights and to to promote the work of the Council of Europe and the European Commission in the field of justice, through simulation of procedures and...
Prevention of corruption in respect of top government officials and law enforcement
In 2017, the Council of Europe anti-corruption body GRECO will start monitoring the prevention of corruption and the promotion of integrity in central governments (top executive functions) and law enforcement agencies, which will be the themes of its 5th Evaluation Round. In a plenary meeting...
EUR-OPA Hazard Ministerial Conference in Lisbon: Building more disaster resilient societies
This summer, some Southern European countries have faced unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires. Portugal is due to host the 13th ministerial session of the Council of Europe’s European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA) on 26 October 2016 in Lisbon. Designed to strengthen...
A Europe rich in history, heritage and values: the Cultural Routes Advisory Forum 2016 in Vilnius
A journey through space and time across Europe to foster cultural heritage, enhance diversity and promote intercultural dialogue: the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Annual Advisory Forum 2016 will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva in Vilnius (Lithuania) on 26-27 October. This year’s...
Local democracy in Cyprus
Today the Congress of Local and Regional authorities of the Council of Europe adopted a report on the state of local democracy Cyprus following a monitoring visit to Nicosia, Kokkinotrimithia, Ayios Dhometios and Paphos in April 2016. It was the third monitoring report since the ratification of...
European Committee of Social Rights: Greek minister attends hearing on social rights and austerity
A public hearing of the European Committee of Social Rights today focused on how austerity in Greece has affected social rights under the guidelines of the European Social Charter. The committee granted the hearing request, which was made by the complainant organisation, the Greek General...
Thorbjørn Jagland: “Congress' thematics are in line with the Council of Europe's priorities”
“It is very important for the Council of Europe to work with the Congress which represents the grassroots level closest to the people of our member countries”, said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland in his address to the 31st Session of the Congress on 19 October 2016. He...
Preventing radicalisation in towns, cities and regions: the Congress consolidates its strategy
The Congress committees on current affairs and governance have held joint discussions on the Congress’ strategy to prevent radicalisation in towns, cities and regions. The report and resolution presented by Josef Neumann (Germany, SOC) and Bert Bouwmeester (Netherlands, ILDG) urge the Congress...
Gudrun Mosler-Törnström elected as first woman President of the Congress
The members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, meeting for the 31st Session in Strasbourg (France), elected Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC) as President for a two-year term of office. Ms Mosler-Törnström is the first woman being elected to the...
How to fight human trafficking: new guide for governments
10th European Anti-Trafficking Day, 18 October
Why remembering the Holocaust is a human rights imperative
"The Shoah stands out as one of the defining moments of history that has shaped the conscience of mankind. It is unique in its roots, implementation and envisioned totality", says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner of Human Rights, in his latest Human rights Comment published today....
Calais camp closure
There must be alternative accommodation in France and increased cooperation for the transfer of unaccompanied children to the United Kingdom
Venice Commission: New Polish law on constitutional tribunal gives excessive power to parliament and the executive over the judiciary
An opinion adopted today by the Council of Europe’s constitutional law experts, the Venice Commission, found that Poland’s new Act on the Constitutional Tribunal does not meet two essential standards of balance of power in government: the independence of the judiciary and the position of the...
New tool to help governments strengthen democracy through culture
The 47-nation Council of Europe is today launching a new statistical tool to help decision-makers see where changes in cultural policy can best help to strengthen democracy. “Experts have thought for a long time that there are strong links between people taking part in cultural activities and...
Finland: new report on minorities
Efforts needed to protect Samí rights, Swedish language and combat hate speech, says a report on minorities in Finland
Conference on Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the context of major risks prevention and management
Migrants are a risk group also facing natural hazards and technological accidents. To analyse how countries deal with their vulnerabilities, the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement of the Council of Europe will hold a conference on Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the context of natural and...
Frank-Walter Steinmeier: ‘Human rights are and must remain non-negotiable’
“Human rights are and must remain non-negotiable,” German Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told parliamentarians today at PACE’s plenary session in Strasbourg. “They are not just an instrument to be used when it suits on the road to peace. They are in fact the cornerstone on which...
Ukraine: only ‘significant progress’ by Russia can form basis for full-fledged dialogue
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has said that only “significant and measurable progress” by Russia towards implementation of three recent resolutions of the Assembly can form the basis for restoration of a fully-fledged, mutually respectful dialogue. In a resolution on...
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu: the values of the Council of Europe should inspire further reforms in Turkey
“The Council of Europe has had a significant role in Turkey’s progress in the past 15 years. We will press ahead with our plans for constitutional and institutional reform and will continue to heed the Council of Europe’s recommendations,” said Mevlüt Çavusoglu, Turkey’s Minister for Foreign...
Thomas Bach: Governments and the Olympic Movement have a common responsibility in the fight against doping
“Deficiencies of the World Anti-Doping Agency in the fight against doping have become apparent. It is encouraging to see that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is now starting to address these deficiencies through the organisation of Think Tanks and other measures”, today said the President of...
Cyprus: Secretary General Jagland on Official Visit
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland is meeting with Cypriot government officials on Friday to discuss the upcoming Cypriot chairmanship of the Council of Europe (from 22 November 2016 to 19 May 2017). The chairmanship will address several key human rights issues, from detention of irregular...
Jürgen Ligi: the Committee of Ministers and the Assembly must work together closely
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly today, Jürgen Ligi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia, mentioned the recent events that had taken place during Estonia’s Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, including notably the attempted coup d’état in Turkey. “It is important that the...
Managing diversity through minority rights
Council of Europe’s national minorities body launches new guidance document
François Hollande: "We need the Council of Europe more than ever"
“France stands alongside the Council of Europe and I am confident that the Council of Europe stands alongside France in all efforts to promote peace, freedom and democracy,” declared France’s President, François Hollande, addressing the Assembly today. Mr Hollande said he was a strong believer in...
OECD calls on policy makers to adopt a broader and more inclusive approach to productivity growth
The Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mari Kiviniemi, today urged to do everything to address the “concerns of those that have suffered unemployment” by “creating more inclusive societies where the benefits of growth are more equally...
European Local Democracy Week 2016
“Living together in culturally diverse societies: respect, dialogue, interaction”
Secretary General’s dialogue with Assembly members
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland replied to questions from members of the Assembly in a question and answer session during the Assembly’s autumn part-session. During this exchange, PACE members asked Mr Jagland for his reaction to Turkey’s derogation from part of the European...
Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2016 awarded to Nadia Murad
The fourth Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – which honours outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights – has been awarded to Yazidi human rights activist Nadia Murad. The €60 000 prize was presented at a special ceremony today at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg, on the...
Assembly President calls for principles to be respected and warns against double standards
In his opening speech of the PACE autumn session in Strasbourg today, PACE President Pedro Agramunt made a plea for the strict respect of principles and rules and warned against double standards. He urged PACE to react firmly whenever someone faced persecution for his or her political views or...
European Day against the Death Penalty: Council of Europe/EU confirm their strong opposition to capital punishment
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and the European Union’s High Representative For Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, have published a joint statement to mark the European and World Day against the Death Penalty on October 10. The statement reaffirms both...
The Commissioner publishes a memorandum on the human rights implications of the emergency measures in Turkey
The Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, published today a memorandum on the human rights implications of the measures taken under the state of emergency by the Turkish authorities. This memorandum follows up on a visit to Ankara between 27 and 29 September 2016, during which the...
UK urged to improve protection of child victims of human trafficking
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has urged the United Kingdom to improve the identification and protection of child victims of trafficking, expressing particular concern about children going missing from local authority care. “Despite...
Secretary General Jagland discusses media freedom in Turkey with international journalist associations
Representatives of the eight partner organisations of the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists met with the Council of Europe´s Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, to discuss the possible follow up to the media freedom alerts published on the Platform with regard to Turkey...
European judicial systems evaluation
The Council of Europe publishes 2016 assessment report and launches new interactive database
Declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the death penalty in Belarus
At their meeting on 5 October, the Minister’s Deputies adopted a declaration deploring the confirmation of the death sentence against Mr Siarhei Vostrykau by the Supreme Court of Belarus on 4 October 2016 and calling on the Belarus’ authorities not to carry out the execution, considering Belarus’...
Learning Equality, Living Dignity: Forum on Human Rights Education in Budapest
The 3rd Compass Forum on Human Rights Education is being held at the European Youth Centre in Budapest from 5 to 7 October. Using the slogan “Learning Equality, Living Dignity”, the forum brings together about 120 participants, including experts with extensive experience in educating young people...
Croatia should eliminate shortcomings in transitional justice, immigration and media freedom
“Croatia has substantially improved its human rights law and practice in the last years. However, some recent developments put at serious risk these achievements” said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while releasing today a report based on his visit to the country...
Russia’s "foreign agent” list: Inclusion of “International Memorial”
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland
Anti-racism commission issues new reports on the UK, Turkey and Armenia
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published today country reports on the UK, Turkey and Armenia. In the UK, the Council of Europe’s anti-racism experts welcomed the entry into force of the Equality Act 2010, as well as the government’s new hate crime action plan and...
Parliamentary Assembly Autumn Session
French President, German and Turkish Foreign Ministers to address Assembly
Freedom of thought (and from famine!) – The defamation balancing act
The Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen once wrote that countries with a free media do not suffer from famines. Food for (free) thought – literally! But freedom of expression is by no means a modern idea. 17th century thinkers such as John Locke and John Milton underlined their opposition...
Ukraine’s reforms the focus of high-level Council of Europe meeting
As a continuation of the Day of Ukrainian Reforms, Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko met today in Strasbourg with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to discuss the co-operation between the organization and Ukraine, and to sign on behalf of Ukraine the European Agreement on the...
Anti-trafficking body GRETA calls on Romania to intensify efforts to prevent trafficking in children
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) calls on Romania to step up its efforts to prevent trafficking in children and to improve the identification and assistance to child victims. The report assesses...
Removing barriers to young people’s access to rights
New Recommendation by the Committee of Ministers
Report on judicial systems: Live broadcast of the press conference, 6 October - 11 a.m.
The Council of Europe will publish the 2016 report (data concerning 2014) of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) on Thursday 6 October. This study contains the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data gathered in the 45 member states of the Council of Europe and...
Statement of Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland on Shimon Peres
“We have lost one of the world’s greatest statesmen. Like no other, Shimon Peres strived for peace and reconciliation in the region and internationally. Security for the Jewish people was always his priority. He was firmly convinced that peace with Israel’s neighbours would serve the country’s...
Council of Europe Platform Exchange on Culture and Digitisation
The event on “Culture 4D: Digitisation, Data, Disruptions, Diversity” will explore how to harness Big Data for European culture and empower diverse groups to enhance the “Internet of Citizens”. Cultural policy makers and practitioners, researchers, media and technology specialists, business...
MONEYVAL's annual report: anti-terrorist financing measures not fully exploited yet
Following the publication today of MONEYVAL's annual report, its Chair, Daniel Thelesklaf, pointed out that identifying the financing of terrorism has not yet been fully exploited as a strategy in the overall fight against terrorism. “We are struggling to find ways how to better combat terrorism....
European Day of Languages 2016
A day to celebrate the rich mosaic of languages coexisting in Europe and beyond: the European Day of Languages marks every year since 2001 our linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML), encouraging excellence and...
Committee of Ministers reviews the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
On 20 and 21 September, representatives of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe held their third “Human Rights” meeting of 2016 at which they examined the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in keeping with the supervisory role of the Committee of Ministers,...
Venice Commission criticizes proposed modifications to Azerbaijani Constitution in upcoming referendum
A preliminary opinion by the Council of Europe's constitutional law experts, (the Venice Commission) criticizes draft modifications to the constitution of Azerbaijan, which will be put to a national referendum on Monday 26 September. Many proposed amendments would severely upset the balance of...
Conference on the Fight against the Manipulation of Sports Competitions
“The Macolin Convention is the first and only international treaty to clamp down on the serious, transnational, organised crime that is match-fixing. A crime which not only threatens the rule of law, but which is especially corrosive for trust in sport because it cuts against our most basic...
No violence against children is acceptable, all violence is preventable
Commissioner of Human Rights Nils Muižnieks publishes his latest Human rights Comment
Secretary General, in UN, calls for ensuring basic rights for all migrant and refugee children
On 18 September 2016, in the run-up to the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland took part in a high-level event Carry Light for Children co-organised by the UN Children Fund UNICEF, the Estonian Mission to the UN, and the Council of...
National minorities in Hungary
Hungary should improve efforts to stop discrimination against Roma, among issues raised in report issued today
Dalai Lama visit highlights shared values
His Holiness the Dalai Lama used his historic visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg today to make an impassioned plea for compassion, tolerance and understanding between individuals, different faiths and nations. He expressed his belief that moral education based on what he called...
European summit of Presidents and Speakers of parliament opens in Strasbourg
“National parliaments should be a source of reasoned debate, based on facts”
Slovak Foreign Minister Lajčák at Committee of Ministers
Miroslav Lajčák, the foreign minister of Slovakia, which currently holds the Presidency of the European Union, is at the Council of Europe today for an exchange of views with the Committee of Ministers. In his meeting with Secretary General Jagland, Foreign Minister Lajčák signed the Council of...
The launch of the European Youth Card in France – empowering Europe’s young people
On 13 September 2016, the Council of Europe, the City of Strasbourg, the University of Strasbourg and the European Youth Card Association launched the Youth Card in France The goal of the Card is to promote the active role young people can play all over Europe and to encourage their cultural,...
Independent experts: positive evaluation of Council of Europe/European Commission programmes for Roma
Although their new report found room for improvement, evaluator company Blomeyer and Sanz and experts selected from Creda Consulting found that two major Council of Europe programmes – ROMED 1 and ROMED 2 – have helped to successfully enhance Roma participation and integration in seven focus...
Dalai Lama to visit and address the Council of Europe
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will pay a visit to the Council of Europe on Thursday, 15 September, where he will meet Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, President of the Parliamentary Assembly Pedro Agramunt and Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks. H.H. the Dalai Lama will deliver an...
Secretary General speaks at colloquy on the role of the Council of Europe in defending human rights
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland took part in a colloquy on the topic "Is the defence of human rights in Europe outdated? The Council of Europe is more necessary than ever", organised in Paris on 12 September by the French National Assembly and Senate, as well as a number of...
Latvia: Strengthen policies against bias-motivated crimes and ratify the Istanbul Convention
“While Latvia has taken some important steps to advance human rights and reduce social exclusion, gaps remain in the protection of vulnerable groups. The authorities should develop community-based services for persons with disabilities, grant automatic citizenship to all children born in Latvia,...
European summit of Presidents and Speakers of parliament in Strasbourg
The Presidents and Speakers of parliament from the 47 Council of Europe member states and many partner, observer and neighbouring countries, along with the Presidents of other international assemblies, will be meeting in Strasbourg on 15 and 16 September 2016 for a European parliamentary...
Internet freedom as a factor of democratic security: Strasbourg conference
An international conference is bringing together in Strasbourg on 9 September some 200 representatives of governments, civil society, business and academia to discuss best practices to protect and promote Internet freedom in the context of the current international security crises. One of the...
Secretary General’s Special Representative on migration and refugees visits camps in northern France
The Secretary General’s Special Representative on migration and refugees, Ambassador Tomáš Boček, is conducting a fact-finding mission to camps in northern France on 12-13 September 2016. Mr Boček will visit the camps in Calais and Grande-Synthe and the Command and Control Centre in Calais....
Committee of Ministers - exchange of views with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey
The Minister’s Deputies today held an exchange of views at ministerial level with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey. This exchange of views organised following the attempted coup d’état in Turkey on 15 July, was opened by Marina Kaljurand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of...
Secretary General meets German Interior Minister de Maizière and attends OSCE conference on Sinti and Roma
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland met with German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière on 6 September to discuss integration, radicalisation and the fight against extremism at national and European levels. The Secretary General also addressed an OSCE conference on...
Belarus: Anti-corruption summary report says faith in country’s commitment is undermined
Belarus has partly implemented only one out of the twenty pending recommendations on addressing corruption, with no progress registered on others, says the summary of the Interim compliance report by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) published on 1 September. The...
New Special Representative of the Secretary General for Roma Issues
Today, Valeriu Nicolae, a Romanian Roma, has taken up the post of Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the Council of Europe for Roma Issues. "It is a great honour and responsibility for me to join the team of the Secretary General," said Nicolae. "I very much look forward to...
Human rights defenders’ work is vital for redress to victims of enforced disappearance
Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks publishes his latest Human rights Comment
Turkish expert delegation visits Council of Europe
Today a delegation of officials from the Turkish Ministry of Justice and from the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors is meeting with a group of Council of Europe experts. The meeting follows a visit by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to Ankara on 3 August, and is part of an...
Turkey: visit by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Estonian Foreign Minister M. Kaljurand
Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia Marina Kaljurand travelled to Ankara on 24-25 August to hold talks with Turkish officials at the highest level: she met with President R.T. Erdoğan, the President of the National Assembly İ. Kahraman, Prime Minister...
Senegal becomes the 50th state to accede to the Data Protection Convention - “Convention 108”
The Republic of Senegal today became the third non-European state to accede to the Convention for the protection of individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data, also known as “Convention 108”, and its Additional Protocol, taking the total number of States Parties to the...
Switzerland must fall into line regarding the transparency of political funding
In a report published today, GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption group, states that Switzerland has achieved real progress in implementing the group’s recommendations on incriminations (see also the German and Italian versions of the report). However, GRECO expresses regret that the...
Non-implementation of the Court’s judgments: our shared responsibility
Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks publishes his latest Human rights Comment
Thorbjørn Jagland condems terrorist attack in Gaziantep
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has expressed in a letter to President Erdoğan his condolences on the terror attack on 20 August in Gaziantep. In a statement directly after the attack on Sunday, the Secretary General said: "I am devastated by the atrocious bomb attack in our member...
Report on Turkey: Migrant children and refugees living precariously outside camps
Action needed to tackle child labour, encourage school attendance and improve the precarious living conditions of those outside refugee camps in Turkey
Situation in Crimea
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Secretary General Jagland in Ankara
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland arrived in Ankara on Wednesday 3 August for two days of meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ, the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Ismail Kahraman,...
Council of Europe honours victims and survivors of Roma Holocaust (Pharrajimos)
The Council of Europe honoured the memory of Roma Holocaust victims and survivors with commemorations at the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and at the Organisation’s Strasbourg headquarters. “Remembrance not only focuses on the past, but also points the way to the future,” said...
Secretary General Jagland to meet President Erdogan in Ankara
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland will be in Ankara on Wednesday 3 August for meetings with President Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ and leaders of the opposition parties. Contact Press release
National minorities: Council of Europe body calls on Italy to better protect Roma, Sinti and Camminanti
The Council of Europe Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) has called on Italy to take urgent steps to elaborate and adopt a specific national legislative framework for the protection of Roma, Sinti and Camminanti communities. In its...
Deputy Secretary General meets Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage
Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni had an exchange of views today with Dario Franceschini, Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities and Tourism. The meeting focused on Council of Europe conventions in the cultural field and on policy co-operation with Italy. Deputy Secretary General...
Cyprus should increase transparency in parliament, among other recommendations
A new report from the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) includes 16 recommendations to improve anti-corruption measures in parliament and for judges and prosecutors. Although plenary meetings of the legislature are open to the public and proposed bills are published,...
Measures taken under the state of emergency in Turkey
Statement by Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks
EU and Council of Europe introduce project to promote global development education
From residential and online training courses on human rights to intercultural dialogue, a new three-year project – iLEGEND – will strengthen global development education throughout Europe. iLEGEND, (Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue) will foster...
Turkey: Protecting democracy and human rights
Statement by the Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland
Secretary General receives notification from Turkey of its intention to temporarily suspend part of the European Convention on Human Rights
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, has been informed by the Turkish authorities that Turkey will notify its derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights under the Convention’s Article 15. The possibility of a derogation is foreseen by Article 15 of the...
Death of Pavel Sheremet
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Ahead of the fifth anniversary of Utøya tragedy, Secretary General calls for robust response to hate crime
"Five years after the Oslo attacks and the Utøya massacre that claimed 77 lives on 22 July 2011, hate-driven violence remains a challenge for European society and governments today", said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, calling for a determined response to hate crime....
Protect women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights
“In these times of resurgent threats to women’s rights and gender equality, we must redouble our efforts to protect women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Among the international and European legal instruments that protect these rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms...
Situation in Turkey
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Anniversary of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Coup attempt in Turkey condemned
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Terrorist attack in Nice
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers
Secretary General Jagland condemns the horrific terrorist attack in Nice
“On 14 July, the day when France and the world celebrate the birth of the French Republic, when the call to ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité’ rings in the hearts of all democrats, the host nation of the Council of Europe has been the scene of another murderous attack. Our Organisation stands...
GRECO calls on San Marino to ratify the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption and to upgrade political financing law
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) today called for San Marino to ratify the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, to fully implement it, and to improve legislation on political funding. GRECO underlines the need for San Marino to ratify the Criminal Law...
Conflict and violence: young people share their stories
This week the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg is hosting two events for young people whose lives have been changed by the conflict and violence. The Youth Peace Camp is bringing together young people from conflict-affected regions: South Caucasus, the Russian Federation, Ukraine (Luhansk,...
To prevent further human suffering in the east of Ukraine, the rule of law has to be re-established
“The conflict in the east of Ukraine remains the cause of enormous human suffering and loss of life. It is high time to put an end to it and ensure the effective prosecution and sanctioning of those responsible for human rights violations” said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner...
Statement by Secretary General Jagland on adoption by Sejm of Poland of draft Act on Constitutional Tribunal
“The draft Act on the Constitutional Tribunal was adopted yesterday at its second reading in the lower Chamber of the Polish Parliament (Sejm). I will ask the Venice Commission to rapidly examine whether this Act follows its Opinion provided in March 2016. I would urge the Senate, and the Sejm at...
Greece: progress in combating racism, but concerns remain about the impact of austerity
“I welcome the government’s efforts to combat racism and homophobia in Greece. The 2014 anti-racism law has consolidated the legislative framework and provided useful tools to prosecutors and police officers. However, much more is needed in order to bring this law to life and to further enhance...
Why Europe needs to invest in children
"Doers should start speaking, and speakers should start doing" – this was the key message of the conference organised by Eurochild “Children's Rights Matter: Why Europe needs to invest in children” in Brussels on 5-7 July 2016. Experts, policy makers dealing with social and economic rights, as...
“No means No”: Secretary General welcomes German legislation to end violence against women
"I welcome today’s vote in the German parliament to pass the so-called No means No law, which brings Germany in line with our convention to end violence against women," said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. "Rape cannot be limited to just physical assault," he said of the...
Anti-corruption body GRECO publishes a report on Moldova
Council of Europe calls on the Republic of Moldova to improve anti-corruption measures in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors
Secretary General Jagland in Berlin for talks with Foreign Minister Steinmeier
Thorbjørn Jagland met with German foreign minister Steinmeier on Tuesday in Berlin. Topics of discussion included human rights in Europe, the role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the situation in Ukraine, Turkey and Azerbaijan. They also discussed the European Roma Institute for...
Security and safety in stadiums: fourteen countries pave the way for implementation of the new Council of Europe Convention
The Council of Europe Convention on an integrated safety, security and service approach at football matches and other sports events was opened for signature today at a ceremony held at the Stade de France, in the presence of several European ministers. The Convention was signed by 14 States:...
Limited progress in the Czech Republic to address segregation of Roma in education
In an Opinion on the Czech Republic published today, the Council of Europe’s Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities concludes that, despite the authorities’ efforts, the plans to eradicate the segregation of Roma children in schools have so far...
Council of Europe conference tackles gender-based stereotypes
Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas opened a Council of Europe conference on gender equality in Tallinn, Estonia today. The two-day conference – which can be followed live on this link – gathers some 150 participants from nearly 40 Council of Europe member states to assess progress of the...
North-South Prize 2015 to Lora Pappa and Joaquim Alberto Chissano
The founder of the Greek non-governmental organisation METAdrasi (Action for Migration & Development), Lora Pappa and former President of Mozambique Joaquim Alberto Chissano are the two laureates of the Council of Europe North-South Prize 2015, a distinction awarded annually to two personalities,...
Stop evictions of Roma and Travellers
International organisations stress human cost of evictions and recall standards in a joint statement
Committee of Ministers statement on terrorist attack at Istanbul international airport
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe firmly condemns the terrorist attack committed yesterday evening at Istanbul international airport. It conveys its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its solidarity with the Turkish people and authorities in these...
Istanbul: Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland condemns terrorist attacks
On Wednesday Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made the following statement: “Our member state Turkey has suffered another horrific terrorist attack. Once again so many innocent people have been killed and hurt on European soil. All Council of Europe member states must stand together in the...
Protection and future of migrant children: a challenge for Europe
One in three of the migrants and asylum seekers crossing between Greece and Turkey is a child. Last year alone, an estimated 300,000 children crossed the Mediterranean fleeing the horror of war and seeking refuge, traumatised by violence and death. Practically all of them have seen their lives...
Security and safety in stadiums: Council of Europe launches a new convention
At the last of the EURO 2016 tournament’s quarter-finals, on Sunday 3 July at the Stade de France (Saint-Denis), the Council of Europe will open for signature a new international convention to promote safety at football matches and other sports events, strengthen international police co-operation...
26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
European and UN anti-torture bodies: duty to protect dignity of detained persons more relevant than ever in current global context of instability and economic crisis
Statement by Secretary General Jagland on the UK referendum
“The democratic decision in this referendum must be respected. The best way forward now is for the EU, in accordance with its best traditions, to work together with the UK government to obtain the most acceptable outcome for the citizens of the UK and Europe. Everybody should now focus on what...
Towards a global moratorium on capital punishment
Secretary General addresses the World Congress on the Death Penalty
Greek Prime Minister issues strong call for a ‘a better Europe’
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras issued a strong call for “a better Europe, and a new and inspiring vision for Europe’s citizens” today when addressing parliamentarians from the 47-nation Council of Europe. Europe faced a political and social crisis which was shaking it to its very...
Estonia remains committed to supporting the Council of Europe in protecting human rights, says Prime Minister
“Estonia remains committed to supporting the active role taken by the Council of Europe in developing a useful framework for the protection of human rights, either online or offline, said the Prime Minister of Estonia, Taavi Rõivas, addressing PACE today. He underlined that the international...
Fighting the over-sexualisation of children
PACE today expressed its concern about the over-sexualisation of children, a widespread phenomenon in the media, marketing campaigns, television programmes and everyday products. This phenomenon can have a serious impact on children’s self-esteem, well-being, relationships and equal opportunities...
Marina Kaljurand: “The best results can only be achieved by working hand in hand with the Assembly”
“The best results can only be achieved by working hand in hand with the Assembly”, today said Marina Kaljurand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers. Presenting Estonia’s priorities for the six-month period of its Chairmanship, Ms Kaljurand referred...
Secretary General’s dialogue with Assembly members
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland replied to questions from members of the Assembly in a question and answer session during the Assembly’s summer part-session. During this exchange, PACE members asked Mr Jagland for his reaction to the lifting of immunity from prosecution of...
We must grasp the global nature of the refugee crisis
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia
PACE must continue to foster pan-European dialogue in response to challenges to face, says the President
"I firmly believe that our common interests in protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, both at national and international level, are stronger than the issues that divide us," the PACE President said at the opening of the June session. "We must keep open the communication channels...
Terrorism: #NoHateNoFear, a PACE initiative
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) today launched a #NoHateNoFear initative to counter terrorism. At a special ceremony, parliamentarians stood up to say NO to hate and fear. They committed to follow up on this initiative in their national parliaments. "We have to prevent the...
World Refugee Day: “Share our cities – Share the future”
The Intercultural Cities (ICCs) are working hard on ensuring inclusive integration and equal rights and opportunities for the people that chose Europe as host continent, after being uprooted because of conflicts and instability in their own countries. Today, the 99 cities which are member of the...
Say “No” to hate speech against refugees: 20 June is European Action Day
Ahead of the Action Day against Hate Speech Targeting Refugees marked on the 20th of June, the Council of Europe called for a speedy and systematic reaction by public figures to the instances of hate speech against refugees and asylum seekers, and stressed the positive role the youth can play in...
World Refugee Day: Council of Europe head calls for renewed effort to protect migrant children from sexual abuse
Ahead of World Refugee Day, Secretary General called on Europe’s governments to make protection of migrant and asylum-seeking minors against sexual abuse a top priority. “Child protection is a moral duty and legal obligation for all European states. Last year, an estimated 300,000 migrant and...
International data protection conference: Mauritius joins “Convention 108”
The Republic of Mauritius today became the second non-European state – after Uruguay in 2013 – to ratify the Convention for the protection of individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data, also known as “Convention 108”, and its Additional Protocol, taking the total number of...
CEB to hold its annual Joint Meeting in Strasbourg
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is holding its annual Joint Meeting today. The meeting is taking place in Strasbourg, at the invitation of the French government. As in previous years, the event is bringring together the members of the Bank’s Governing Board and Administrative...
European Convention on Human Rights remains crucial: annual legal HELP conference
The European Convention on Human Rights is crucial to maintaining stability and liberty on the continent, and the Council of Europe’s task is to help its States implement it, to “sow the Convention into the national legal fabric”, said Council of Europe’s Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland...
European states must do more to stop websites advertising child sexual abuse
European governments will spare no effort in assuring that competent Internet authorities and bodies prevent registration of, identify and remove any web addresses which self-evidently, sometimes even in their names, advertise child abuse material. This is a key conclusion of a meeting of the...
Anti-corruption: Germany praised for progress in bribery legislation but more transparency in party financing needed
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) praises Germany for adopting legislation that should pave the way for its ratification of the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption and its Additional Protocol. According to GRECO, Germany has...
Erosion of rule of law threatens human rights protection in Poland
“Recent far-reaching changes to Poland’s legal and institutional framework threaten human rights and undermine the rule of law, on which the protection of human rights ultimately depends. Lawmakers and the Government should urgently change course”, said today Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe...
Conference addresses community involvement in prison and probation work
The 21st Council of Europe Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services – which is being held in Zaandam (Netherlands) on 14 and 15 June – is addressing community involvement in prison and probation work, including the role of families of offenders and the need to counter the negative...