Newsroom
Committee of Ministers
Committee of Ministers: decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Committee of Ministers has just made public decisions and resolutions adopted at its third special human rights meeting (24-26 September 2013) during which it has examined the state of implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Texts adopted concerned Azerbaijan,...
Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)
Spain urged to widen approach to human trafficking
The Council of Europe's expert body on trafficking in human beings, GRETA, has urged the Spanish authorities to adopt a more comprehensive approach to tackling human trafficking. In its first report on Spain, GRETA underlined that some important steps have been taken by the authorities in recent...
Secretary General
Jagland: disappointed and alarmed by discriminatory actions and stigmatising words against Roma
Responding to the current discussion about Roma in France, Sweden and other European countries, the Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, issued the following statement: "I am disappointed and alarmed to see that discriminatory actions and stigmatising words are again being used against Roma...
Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)
Anti-trafficking experts call for improved protection of victims of human trafficking in Ireland
The Council of Europe's expert body on trafficking in human beings,GRETA, has called on the Irish authorities to ensure that all victims of trafficking are identified as such and provided with assistance and protection. In its first report on Ireland, GRETA underlined that several important steps...
Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)
Belgium urged to focus more on child trafficking
The Council of Europe's expert body on trafficking in human beings, GRETA, has called on the Belgian authorities to step up their efforts to fight human trafficking, particularly of children. In its first report on Belgium, GRETA underlined that several important steps have been taken by the...
Council of Europe
Transparency to protect internet freedom: a shared commitment
Representatives of governments, business and civil society are meeting on 24 and 25 September in Strasbourg to discuss Council of Europe internet governance standards, and to analyse how states and other stakeholders can, in their respective roles, commit to them. The event, held under the theme...
Committee of Ministers
Committee of Ministers to examine implementation of human rights judgments
The representatives of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe will examine implementation of the judgments and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on 24-26 September 2013. This supervisory role of theCommittee of Ministers is provided for under Article 46 of the European...
Secretary General
Secretary General Jagland condemns murder of Pavlos Fyssas, supports rapid investigation of Golden Dawn
The Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland condemned the murder of rapper Pavlos Fyssas and expressed his support to the Greek government rapid investigation of "Golden Dawn's'' involvement: ‘'This murder stems from an extremely dangerous development we are seeing in Greece and also other parts of...
Parliamentary Assembly
Armenian and Serbian Presidents, Russian State Duma Speaker to address Parliamentary Assembly Session
Addresses by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić and the Speaker of the Russian State Duma Sergey Naryshkin will be among highlights of PACE's forthcoming autumn plenary session (30 September-4 October 2013). Also on the agenda are debates on national security...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Decisions concerning migrant children must always be based on their best interests
Migrant children are particularly vulnerable – especially if they are unaccompanied, travelling without parents or relatives. Many have been traumatised and abused before arriving in Europe. They must be met with care and with respect for their rights. Yet, there are many accounts of harsh...
Council of Europe
Secretary General visits Poland, speaks at conference on hate speech in political discourse
18-19 September, Warsaw – TheSecretary General of the Council of Europe is in Warsaw for meetings with Polish President Bronisław Komorowski, Marshal of the Sejm, Ewa Kopacz, and Piotr Wach, Vice-President of the Polish Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Together...
Committee of Ministers
Committee of Ministers declaration on recent executions in Japan and in United States of America
The Committee of Ministers deplores the executions which have recently taken place in Japan and in the United States of America, observer States to the Council of Europe. These executions run counter to the growing trend against the death penalty at the international level as shown by the latest...
Council of Europe
Warsaw conference to address hate speech in political discourse
18-19 September, Warsaw – A conference organised by thePolish Ministry of Administration and Digitisation and the Council of Europe will address the issue of increasing hate speech in public and political debates in Europe, the implications it has for society and possible ways to tackle it. Held...
Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
Bosnia and Herzegovina urged to tackle ill-treatment by police in Republika Srpska
In areport published today, theCouncil of Europe's Anti–torture Committee (CPT) urged the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to address the problem of ill-treatment by the police in the Republika Srpska and to improve the situation of pre-trial detention departments of prisons. The report...
Roma rights
Roma women meet in Helsinki for international conference
More than 150 Roma women from across Europe are meeting in Helsinki from 16-17 September to discuss ways of improving the situation for themselves, their families and their communities. Among the main aims of the 4th International Roma Women's Conference are drawing up a strategy, underlining the...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Time for accountability in CIA torture cases
Twelve years ago, almost three thousand people were killed by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Commemorative events provide an occasion to pay respects to the innocent victims, but also to reflect on the anti-terrorist response adopted by the USA and Europe. By allowing unlawful...
European Court of Human Rights
European Court of Human Rights launches collection of leading cases
The European Court of Human Rights launched new print and online collections of its leading case-law in order to heighten awareness of the most important cases and encourage their application at domestic level. The Court's Reports of Judgments and Decisions contain the judgments and decisions...
President of the Parliamentary Assembly
Parliamentary Assembly President to make official visit to Switzerland
Jean-Claude Mignon, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), will make an official visit to Switzerland from 10 to 12 September 2013, during which he will meet in Berne the Presidents of both houses of parliament (National Council and Council of States), the...
Parlimentary Assembly
Stop homophobic legislation in the Russian Federation
Håkon Haugli (Norway, SOC), General rapporteur on the rights of LGBT people of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), today made the following statement: "A wave of homophobic propaganda is hitting the Russian Federation, forming the basis of new laws and law proposals. The...
Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
Anti-torture Committee: Ukraine needs to combat ill-treatment in prisons
In areport published today the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has recommended further action to combat ill-treatment of inmates in correctional colonies in Ukraine. The CPT recommends: i) driving change from the...
Parliamentary Assembly
Parliamentary Assembly committee urges full investigation of Sergei Magnitsky’s death
A committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has urged the competent Russian authorities to fully investigate the circumstances and background of the death of Russian tax and accountancy expert Sergei Magnitsky, and the possible criminal responsibility of all...
Committee of Ministers
60th anniversary of entry into force of European Convention on Human Rights
Sixty years ago, on the 3 September 1953, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, better known as the "European Convention on Human Rights", entered into force. This treaty is undoubtedly the cornerstone of the human rights protection in Europe. Over sixty...
European Court of Human Rights
Court celebrates 60th anniversary of entry into force of European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights, which was signed in Rome on 1 November 1950, entered into force on 3 September 1953. Under Article 66 of the Convention, the Convention's entry into force was triggered by the deposit in Strasbourg of the tenth instrument of ratification, which was...
Parliamentary Assembly
Egypt: Parliamentary Assembly Bureau calls for political dialogue
The Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting today in Dubrovnik (Croatia), called for an inclusive reconciliation process and political dialogue in Egypt which would prevent any further recourse to violence, allow a return to stability and create conditions...
Council of Europe
European Heritage Days: 50 countries offer free access to historic sites
Millions of people will enjoy free access to thousands of rarely opened historic and cultural sites in 50 countries throughout September as part of the annual European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the European Commission and Council of Europe. The 2013 European Heritage Days are...
Committee of Ministers
Armenia hosts 2013 Council of Europe Exchange on religious dimension of intercultural dialogue
"Freedom of religion in today's world: challenges and guarantees": in the framework of the Armenian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the 2013 Council of Europe Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue takes place at the Government Guest House, in Yerevan, on 2-3...
Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT)
Latvia should address ill-treatment by police and improve detention conditions
In a report published today, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) calls on the Latvian authorities to address ill-treatment in police establishments, inter-prisoner violence and the provision of health care in prisons and the detention conditions of...
Parliamentary Assembly
Václav Havel Human Rights Prize: selection panel shortlists three nominees
Ales Bialiatski (Belarus), the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (Georgia) and the Rights Defence Network (China), are the three candidates shortlisted in Prague today for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. The selection panel, comprising six independent figures and chaired by Jean-Claude...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Child labour in Europe: persisting challenge
"Many observers thought that child labour was a thing of the past in Europe. However, there are strong indications that child labour remains a serious problem and that it might be growing in the wake of the economic crisis. Governments need to monitor this situation and to use the UN Convention...
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President: an ‘unacceptable’ death toll in Egypt
« I am deeply shocked at the disproportionate use of force by the police during the clearing of pro-Morsi gatherings in Cairo," said today Jean-Claude Mignon, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). "Although the number of dead has not yet been definitely...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Azerbaijan should ease restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly
"Harassment of journalists and others expressing critical views in Azerbaijan is a source of serious human rights concern. The authorities should release all persons who are in detention because of their opinions and improve legislation and practice on freedom of expression and assembly" said...
Council of Europe
Council of Europe marks International Remembrance Day of the Pharrajimos (Roma Genocide)
The Council of Europe has marked International Remembrance Day of the Pharrajimos, or Roma Genocide, with a ceremony in front of its headquarters building in Strasbourg, France. The Special Representative of the Secretary General for Roma Issues, Jeroen Schokkenbroek, announced that the...
Anti-torture committee
Anti-torture committee targets ill-treatment, overcrowding and healthcare standards in Georgia’s prisons
The Council of Europe's anti-torture committee, the CPT, has published recommendations following a visit it made to Georgia in November 2012. The visit followed the broadcast by several TV stations in September 2012 of videos allegedly showing severe abuse of detainees at Gldani prison in...
Secretary General
Jagland on European Action Day for Victims of Hate Crime: “22 July cannot be forgotten”
"22nd of July is a painful day of memory for Norway and for all of Europe. This day cannot be forgotten", underlined Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on the commemoration of Oslo and Utøya attacks in 2011. The date marks European Action Day for Victims of Hate Crime...
Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Anti-torture committee targets ill-treatment in detention in Slovenia and “return flights” of foreign nationals from the UK
In separate reports, the Council of Europe's anti-torture committee, the CPT has published recommendations following visits made in 2012 to the United Kingdom and to Slovenia. The visit to the UK examined treatment of foreign nationals during a removal operation by air to Sri Lanka and the...
Group of States against Corruption
Anti-corruption body praises integrity policy implemented by judges and prosecutors in Netherlands
In a report published today, the Council of Europe anti-Corruption Group (GRECO) found that the Dutch system for the prevention of corruption in respect of Members of Parliament, judges and prosecutors was fairly effective. Relying to a large degree on mutual trust, openness and public scrutiny,...
Venice Commission
Legal experts praise Tunisia’s final draft constitution, but highlight possible ‘tensions’ between civil state and religion
The Council of Europe's constitutional legal experts, the Venice Commission, today praised efforts made by the Tunisian people to draft a new constitution based on ‘universal principles of democracy and human rights'. The final draft constitution reflects a ‘semi-presidential' system of...
Council of Europe
Chechen Republic and Council of Europe focus on young people
What is the current situation of young people in the Northern Caucasus and, in particular, in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation? What are the challenges young people in the North Caucasus face to enjoying their cultural, social and civil rights? How to get young people from the...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Russian legislation and practice on NGOs should be revised
"The legislation regulating NGOs activities in Russia is complex and the excessive discretion in applying it may impede the legitimate exercise of two fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression and association. Law and practice should be simplified and brought in line with the...
European Court of Human Rights
Human Rights Court looks into criminal proceedings against former Ukrainian Prime Minister Tymoshenko
The European Court of Human Rights has communicated to the Ukrainian Government the second application Tymoshenko v. Ukraine and requested it to submit its observations on the complaints. The case is the application brought by the former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko, and imainly...
Secretary General
Secretary General asks Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to support no hate speech movement
In his letter – below – Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland asks for Mr. Zuckerberg's support to fight hate speech against Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived a gunshot by the Taliban and is still facing threats against her life. She marks her 16th birthday today by delivering...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Srebrenica genocide: victims still await justice
"Eighteen years ago, around 8 000 people were executed in and around Srebrenica, while about 30 000 women, children and elderly were forcibly displaced. Victims and their relatives are still haunted by this act of genocide, as well as by the slow pace of accountability and truth-seeking. We...
President of the Parliamentary Assembly
Parliamentary Assembly President makes visit to Bulgaria
Jean-Claude Mignon, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), will make a visit to Bulgaria from 10 to 11 July, during which he will meet the highest state representatives, in particular the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National...
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
Racism and intolerance: Council of Europe reports on Finland, Portugal and San Marino
The Council of Europe's anti-racism body, ECRI, has expressed concerns about the situation of several vulnerable groups in Finland, legislation on citizenship and the absence of comprehensive laws to fight discrimination in San Marino, and about the length of racial discrimination complaints...
Commissioner for Human Rights
Turkey: police violence must not go unpunished
"All instances of excessive use of force by the police must be fully investigated and adequately punished" said Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights at the end of a five day visit to Istanbul and Ankara, during which he discussed the Gezi Park events and other human...
Secretary General
Secretary General Jagland welcomes amendments to the law on so-called “foreign agents” in Russia
"I welcome the intention of President Putin, as expressed in a meeting yesterday with prominent Russian human right defenders, to amend the so-called law on "Foreign agents" in order to better define the political activities of NGOs. This development is clearly a step in the right direction....
Council of Europe
2013 World Forum for Democracy
Is democracy in crisis? Judging by the sometimes record levels of voter abstention, public distrust of leaders – fed by increasing numbers of corruption scandals – and the rise in anti-system parties, the gap between institutions and the public is widening. Traditional modes of public...
Anti-Corruption Group (GRECO)
Council of Europe expects further progress on corruption prevention in Luxembourg
In a report published today, the Council of Europe Anti-Corruption Group (GRECO) welcomes the progressive introduction of rules of conduct concerning the integrity of Members of Parliament, judges and prosecutors. It stresses, however, that much remains to be done to ensure the consistency and...
Parliamentary Assembly
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem: tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation at all ages and all levels
"Wherever laws prevent LGBT people from marching for their rights or teachers from explaining to a young gay man or woman that he or she is as good as the next person, wherever two men or two women cannot kiss in public without putting themselves at risk, human rights take a backward step,"...
Parliamentary Assembly
Parliamentary Assembly deplores ‘recent cases of excessive use of force’ against demonstrators
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has deplored "recent cases of excessive use of force to disperse demonstrators" and reiterated its call on authorities to ensure that police action, where necessary, remains proportionate. Following an urgent debate on "Popular protest...
MONEYVAL
MONEYVAL Committee urges European governments to improve the implementation of anti-money laundering measures
The Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body (MONEYVAL) today called on European governments to improve the implementation of measures for fighting money laundering and terrorist financing in the legal, financial and law enforcement fields. In its annual report, published today, MONEYVAL...
Parliamentary Assembly
Karim Ghellab: Morocco is “committed to promote and defend human rights”
Karim Ghellab, President of Morocco's Assembly of Representatives, told members of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly that Morocco is ‘committed to human rights', including ‘the principle of equality between men and women' and the balance of power in government. In his address late...
Parliamentary Assembly
Hungary: PACE decides not to open a monitoring procedure
While raising in a resolution adopted today "serious and sustained concerns" about the extent to which Hungary is still complying with the obligations it took on when it joined the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decided however not to open a...
Secretary General
Secretary General's visit to Turkey
On 25 June Secretary General Jagland met in Ankara with Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu, Justice Minister Ergin, Interior Minister Güler and the Minister for Family and Social Affairs, Ms. Şahin, as well as with the Turkish Ombudsman, Mr. Ömeroğlu. The main topics of discussion...
Parliamentary Assembly
Israeli-Palestinian conflict: PACE in favour of a solution establishing two ''democratic and pluralist'' states
At the end of a debate on the situation in the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, PACE today expressed its support for a solution involving two "democratic and pluralist" states. Alongside status issues, the Assembly believes that "those of standards should also be addressed so...
European Court of Human Rights
Court of Human Rights reform: opening for signature of Protocol No. 15
Protocol No. 15 amending the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was opened for signature by member states at a ceremony held today at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg. According to the case-law of the Court, states have a margin of appreciation...
Parliamentary Assembly
Albania’s elections active and competitive, but mistrust between political forces tainted environment
Albania's parliamentary elections on 23 June were competitive, with active citizen participation throughout the campaign and genuine respect for fundamental freedoms. However, the atmosphere of mistrust between the two main political forces tainted the electoral environment and challenged the...
Parliamentary Assembly
Call for protection of ‘whistleblowers’ who reveal state wrongdoing
‘Whistleblowers' who disclose state wrongdoing in the public interest should be protected from retaliation, provided they acted in good faith and followed procedures, a committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said in a draft resolution made public today. PACE's...
PACE President
PACE President opens summer part-session in Strasbourg
Referring, at the opening of the PACE part-session in Strasbourg, to the importance of the debate on the request for the opening of a monitoring procedure for Hungary, President Jean-Claude Mignon said that the Assembly was obliged "to react to this situation in the most appropriate manner,...
Committee of Ministers
Nalbandian outlines to PACE priorities of Committee of Ministers’ Chairmanship
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian presented a communication from the Committee of Ministers to the Parliamentary Assembly and answered questions from delegates. Mr. Nalbandian detailed priority areas for the Organisation's work during the Armenian Chairmanship, emphasizing the...
Council of Europe
Belarus, Religion and the Death Penalty
The Council of Europe is trying to advance discussion of abolition of the death penalty in Belarus, in cooperation with the authorities, through an exchange betweenrepresentatives of the traditional religious confessions in Belarus,national institutions, and civil society. Discussion on 21 June...
Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers / Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Conference on Participatory Democracy at Local Level in Yerevan
''The issue of participation is included in the priorities of the Congress for 2013-2016 and we reaffirm our conviction that the quality of democracy depends on citizen participation in democratic processes,'' underlined Herwig Van Staa, President of the Congress on 19 June 2013 during the...
Council of Europe
European Dialogue on Internet Governance in Lisbon addresses Internet public policy challenges
The 6th edition of the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG), which started today, is addressing in Lisbon on 20-21 June, the most recent public policy developments and challenges concerning the Internet, including the current controversy on online surveillance of individuals'...
Deputy Secretary General
Deputy Secretary General welcomes Italian ratification of Istanbul Convention
"Italian Senate ratification of theConvention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), is an act of primary importance for the Council of Europe, given the sensitivity of the topic and the recent atrocious episodes of violence against women...
Commissioner for human rights
Commissioner Muižnieks: Estonia should eliminate child statelessness
"There are still 1200 stateless children in Estonia, a situation which prevents them from taking part in society as full members. This situation must be remedied urgently", said Nils Muižnieks in his report on the visit to Estonia carried out in March 2013. Welcoming the current reform of the...
Parliamentary Assembly
On World Refugee Day, Parliamentary Assembly President deplores ‘unprecedented’ suffering of Syrian refugees
On the eve of World Refugee Day (20 June), the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Jean-Claude Mignon, has made the following statement: "The drastic situation of the Syrian refugees is constantly worsening and has reached an unprecedented level of suffering....
Parliamentary Assembly
Decision on request to monitor Hungary among highlights of Parliamentary Assembly summer session
A decision on a request for the opening of a monitoring procedure in respect of Hungary and a debate on tackling discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity – to be addressed by the Women's Rights Minister of France Najat Vallaud-Belkacem – are among the highlights of...
MONEYVAL
Anti-money laundering body publishes report on banking sector in Cyprus
The Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body (MONEYVAL) today published its report "Special Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Customer Due Diligence Measures in the Banking Sector in Cyprus". The assessment was conducted at the invitation of the Eurogroup Working Group (on behalf of...
Venice Commission
Venice Commission opinion critical of Hungary’s constitutional changes, but welcomes government readiness to make certain revisions
The European Commission for Democracy Through Law – the Council of Europe's constitutional experts known as the "Venice Commission" – today issued an opinion that was critical of Hungary's Fourth Amendment to its Fundamental Law, but welcomed the announcement of the Hungarian government to make...
Secretary General
Statement of the Secretary General on the closure of the Greek public broadcaster ERT
"I encourage the Greek government to accept the European Broadcasting Union's offer of advice and assistance necessary to ensure ERT becomes a true public broadcaster corresponding to Council of Europe standards for public service media. I recall the importance of public broadcasting for ensuring...
Secretary General
Statement by Secretary General on legislation in Russian Duma prohibiting "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" among minors
"The Upper House of the Russian Parliament should not approve the draft law prohibiting the ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations' among minors," said Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland in a statement today. "This law clearly affects some of the most important principles in the...
Committee of Ministers
Council of Europe alerts governments on risks of digital tracking and surveillance
The Council of Europe today alerted its 47 member states to the risks of digital tracking and other surveillance technologies for human rights, the rule of law and democracy, and recalled the need to ensure their legitimate use. In a Declaration issued to governments, the Committee of Ministers...
European Court of Human Rights and EU Fundamental Rights Agency
Handbook on European law relating to asylum, borders and immigration
The European Court of Human Rights and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) are today launching a second practical guide to European law. The Handbook on European law relating to asylum, borders and immigration builds on the experience of the first joint project between the two...
Deputy Secretary General
Deputy Secretary General launches No Hate Speech Movement in Rome
"Parole libere o parole d'odio ?" ("Free speech or hate speech ?"): Gabriella Battaini Dragoni sets in motion today the No Hate Speech Movement in Italy, during a parliamentary seminar organised by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Laura Boldrini. "The Council of Europe has expressed its...
Secretary General
Lithuania, 30th country to sign Convention on combating violence against women and domestic violence
Following the meeting with the Secretary General Jagland and Lithuanian Prime Minister Butkevicius, Foreign Minister Linkevicius signed the Council of Europe's Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in the presence of the Secretary General on 7 June....
