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2017 North-South Prize
The laureates are the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Vice President and Finnish Red Cross Secretary-General
10 Years (2007-2017) of Intercultural Cities: Making Diversity Work for Cities
Milestone event in Lisbon
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November)
Declaration by Karen Ellemann, Minister for Equal Opportunities, on behalf of the Danish Chairmanship
Liechtenstein should improve gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities
The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, welcomed the solid legal and institutional framework for the protection and promotion of human rights in Liechtenstein, which has been strengthened by the establishment in January 2017 of the Association for Human Rights...
Albania and Denmark: Policies on violence against women and domestic violence assessed in new reports
On the eve of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) publish their first-ever evaluation reports on Albania and Denmark. For Albania, GREVIO welcomes a...
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner: shortlist announced
The Committee of Ministers has submitted today a shortlist of three candidates for the post of Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner to the Organisation’s Parliamentary Assembly. The candidates are, in alphabetical order: - Mr Goran KLEMENČIČ (presented by Slovenia) - Mr Pierre-Yves LE...
Secretary General in Madrid to commemorate 40th anniversary of Spain's accession
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland is in Madrid today to speak at the opening of an event in the Spanish Parliament to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Spain´s accession to the Council of Europe, on 24 November 1977. The Secretary General said that “over the last 40 years Spain has developed a...
Protocol on transfer of sentenced persons opened for signature
Five states signed today a new protocol aiming to modernise and improve the European legal framework for the transfer of sentenced persons. Austria, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland were the first to sign this new treaty which amends the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the...
Reconciliation stalled in the Western Balkans
“After having visited all the countries of the Western Balkans, I am concerned that reconciliation has stalled and is being superceded by mounting ethnic divisions and polarisation in the region”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Human Rights...
Poland: progress made against human trafficking, but labour exploitation not sufficiently addressed
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s anti-trafficking expert group (GRETA) assesses developments since the publication of GRETA’s first evaluation report on Poland in May 2013 on the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human...
Protecting children from sexual risks online: Council of Europe experts offer quick tips to parents
Ahead of the European Day to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, marked on the 18th of November, the Council of Europe has published a series of online video tutorials to protect children from the new risks of sexual nature they encounter online, and help them safely...
Lifeline for volunteers helping refugees and migrants
Tens of thousands of volunteers across Europe who are struggling to teach their language and culture to new refugees and migrants have been offered a lifeline. At last, free teaching materials adapted to refugees’ special needs have been developed and are being launched online by the Council of...
Secretary General Jagland attends Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland is attending a major European Summit to promote fair jobs and growth. The Social Summit is taking place on Friday 17 November in Gothenburg, Sweden, and is jointly organised by the European Commission and the Swedish government. The summit was...
Anti-torture committee issues a report on Spain
Anti-torture committee acknowledges some positive steps in Spain, but calls for ending fixation in prisons and juvenile centres
GRETA report on Belgium: the authorities asked to improve the identification of child trafficking victims
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its second evaluation report on Belgium. The report assesses developments since the publication of GRETA’s first evaluation report on Belgium in September 2013 as regards the...
CPT signs monitoring agreement with International Criminal Court
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has concluded an Exchange of Letters with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to monitor the treatment of persons sentenced by the Court. Under the terms of the Exchange of...
Committee of Ministers: the Czech Republic hands over chairmanship to Denmark
The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe today passed from the Czech Republic to Denmark, 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...
MONEYVAL publishes a report on Andorra
MONEYVAL welcomes reforms in Andorra to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, but calls for some improvements
Eastern Partnership: Council of Europe and EU present joint project results
The Council of Europe and the European Union have presented results for their joint projects in the six Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The projects, conducted under the Partnership for Good Governance initiative, were aimed...
Malta should step up efforts to enhance protection of women’s and migrants’ rights
“I welcome the government’s efforts to combat domestic violence in Malta. The transposition into domestic law of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, currently debated in parliament, is a decisive step forward. However, more...
Council of Europe Democracy Innovation Award goes to Russian investigative newspaper The Insider
Today, at the closing session of the World Forum for Democracy, the Council of Europe announced that the winner of its Democracy Innovation Award was the initiative The Insider. The Insider is an investigative newspaper that seeks to provide its readers with information about the current...
Council of Europe partners with leading technology companies to promote respect for human rights
The Council of Europe will strengthen its co-operation with the private sector in order to promote an open and safe internet, where human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are respected. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland signed the agreement – in the form of an exchange...
Preventing corruption in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors – Conference in Prague
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic are organising a conference in Prague on 9 and 10 November to discuss stepping up the implementation of measures to prevent corruption in respect of Members of Parliament, judges...
Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities should spare no effort to build a truly cohesive society and effectively protect media freedom
“The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina should lay the foundations for a more cohesive society by tackling the disruptive legacy of the war. It is particularly crucial to step up the prosecution of wartime crimes and uphold the human rights of all civilian war victims, especially internally...
PEN International joins Council of Europe platform to protect journalists
The Executive Director of PEN International, Carles Torner, today signed the agreement to join the Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists with the Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. The platform allows trusted media freedom organisations to...
Council of Europe pledge to promote gender equality for Roma and Traveller women in politics
Participants attending a Council of Europe conference on Roma and Travellers are pledging to promote gender equality for Roma and Traveller women in politics. The Council of Europe pledge takes into account that electoral quotas are often an effective means of achieving significant, rapid...
European Conference of Judges "Judicial Integrity and Corruption"
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland will open the European Conference of Judges: "Judicial Integrity and Corruption", to be held at the Council of Europe on 7 November 2017. This conference, organised by the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) will allow to...
Andorra should improve measures to prevent corruption in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors - GRECO report
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body (GRECO) concludes that Andorra’s framework to prevent corruption amongst members of parliament, judges and prosecutors is generally satisfactory, but calls for a number of improvements. GRECO welcomes Andorra’s efforts to...
Secretary General Jagland on official visit to Denmark
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, made an official visit to Denmark on 3 November where he met the Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen, the Minister for Justice Søren Pape Poulsen and the Minister for Equal...
2017 Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue
“Migrants and refugees: challenges and opportunities - What role for religious and non- religious groups?”
French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Council of Europe
President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s support for the Council of Europe and its institutions during a visit to the organisation’s headquarters in Strasbourg, where he met the Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland before making a speech at the European Court of Human Rights. During a...
Tackling disinformation in the global media environment – new Council of Europe report
A report published today by the Council of Europe examines the way in which dis-information campaigns have become widespread and, heavily relying on social media, contribute to a global media environment of information disorder. Whilst acknowledging that the direct and indirect impacts of...
World Forum for Democracy: ‟Is Populism a Problem?”
At this time when democracy is being undermined by people’s lack of trust in politicians and elites in general, the World Forum for Democracy 2017, being held from 8 to 10 November, will focus on the role of political parties and the media in the context of rising populism. One year after Donald...
2017 Crystal Scales of Justice Prize goes to Norwegian Court Administration
The Council of Europe has rewarded the Norwegian Court Administration the 2017 Crystal Scales of Justice prize for its initiative “Witness Service in Norwegian courts”. The Prize, which rewards innovative judicial practices in the European judicial institutions, was given on the occasion of the...
The situation of German minority in Denmark rather satisfactory, but media presence and general awareness need to be improved
The German language is in a rather satisfactory position in Denmark with regards to education and cultural life. However, German is hardly ever used before the courts; there is a lack of radio and television programmes in German, and of public awareness of the German minority in general. These...
Ending restrictions on family reunification: good for refugees, good for host societies
“Many refugees have to leave family members behind when they flee their homes. This adds more hardship to the trauma of exile”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. “Once they have found safety in Europe, being...
Ilgar Mammadov case: Council of Europe notifies Azerbaijan of intention to launch a special procedure for the execution of the judgment
The Committee of Ministers of the 47-nation Council of Europe has formally notified Azerbaijan of its intention to launch legal action related to the implementation of the Ilgar Mammadov v. Azerbaijan judgment from the European Court of Human Rights. The court ruled in May 2014 that the arrest...
Ending sexual exploitation and abuse of children: towards a world of trust
Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Convention celebrates its 10th anniversary
Italian Justice Minister Orlando signs “Blood Antiquities” Convention
The Minister of Justice of Italy, Andrea Orlando, signed today with Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni the new Council of Europe Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (CETS No.221), known as the “Blood Antiquities” Convention. The Convention on Offences relating to...
Council of Europe launches Twitter campaign against illegal bird killing
The Council of Europe’s Bern Convention is launching a social media campaign to raise awareness on illegal bird killing. The launch coincides with a report by the BirdLife Partnership which underlines the extent of this environmental crisis. An estimated 36 million birds are illegally killed...
Secretary General appalled by attack against Russian journalist
Secretary General Jagland is appalled by the violent attack against Tatiana Felgenhauer, Deputy Editor of Ekho Moskvy, which took place on the premises of the well-known Russian radio station. The Secretary General wishes to express his support to Ms Fegenhauer, who is now hospitalised, and to...
Social rights committee condemns local authority housing in Ireland
The European Committee of Social Rights has partially upheld a complaint from the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) against Ireland concerning local authority housing. The committee found Ireland to be in violation of the European Social Charter on the grounds that the government...
GRECO issues recommendations to prevent corruption to INGOs Conference
The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published today an assessment of the framework to prevent corruption and address conflicts of interest of the Council of Europe's Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs). GRECO recommends a number of measures, including...
Testimonies and debate on reception of unaccompanied migrant children in European towns
On 18 October 2017, during its 33rd session, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe held a debate on the reception of unaccompanied migrant children in European towns. Yoomi Renström (Sweden, SOC) commented that although, in this year’s statistics, the number of...
Belgium: Congress adopts report on local democracy in a context of linguistic diversity in the municipalities with language facilities
On 19 October 2017, in Strasbourg, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe examined a report on the functioning of the organs of local democracy in a context of linguistic diversity in the “communes with facilities” in the Flemish region around Brussels (Belgium)....
Petr Mlsna: “Supporting local and regional democracy is a top priority of the Czech Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers”
Deputy Minister for Legislation and Archiving, Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, Petr Mlsna, presented the key priorities of the Czech Chairmanship during the 33rd Congress Session in Strasbourg, on 18 October 2017. Among them, Mr Mlsna pointed out the importance of supporting...
Report: The situation of migrants and refugees in Serbia and transit zones in Hungary
“Thousands of migrants and refugees who travelled along the Western Balkans’ migration route in 2015 and 2016 are now stranded in Serbia in a precarious legal situation” says the Secretary General’s Special Representative on migration and refugees Ambassador Tomáš Boček in a report published...
Telephone conversation of Secretary General Jagland with Turkish Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland today had a phone conversation with the Turkish Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül. They discussed the latest developments regarding human rights defenders, including the Director and Chair of Amnesty International Turkey, Idil Eser and Taner...
Thorbjørn Jagland: “Member states have a duty to ensure Council of Europe principles are respected”
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, today addressed Congress members during their 33rd Session in Strasbourg, France. “Our Organisation, which covers the European continent from the Atlantic to Vladivostok, promotes fundamental standards, particularly those of the...
First evaluation of Greece’s compliance with the Council of Europe’s Anti-trafficking Convention: progress made, but gaps remain
In its first report on Greece, the Council of Europe’s expert group against human trafficking (GRETA) praises positive steps taken by Greek authorities to combat human trafficking, but also highlights a number of shortcomings. GRETA welcomes the adoption of anti-trafficking legislation, the...
Murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
Statement by Secretary General Jagland
Turkey: Anti-torture committee publishes report on 2015 visit to immigration detention centres
At the request of the Turkish authorities, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has today published the report compiled following its visit to a number of immigration detention centres in the country in June 2015. The report notes that the visit took place at a...
Switzerland should reinforce its human rights protection framework and better respond to the needs of vulnerable migrants
Reinforcing the institutional and legal framework for safeguarding and promoting human rights and enhancing the protection of migrants and asylum seekers are the key recommendations addressed to the Swiss authorities by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, in a...
Women in power: Major inequalities remain across Europe
European countries are still struggling to achieve gender balance in public decision-making, according to a new report from the Council of Europe. The report looks at progress made by 46 countries towards the goal set by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in 2003 of having at least...
Commissioner urges Azerbaijan to investigate allegations of human rights violations of LGBT persons recently arrested and detained in Baku
Today Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks published a letter sent on 9 October to Ramil Usubov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, in which he calls for thorough investigations into serious allegations of human rights violations of LGBT persons recently arrested and detained in...
Republic of Moldova: important advances on addressing domestic violence, but more progress needed in justice reform
Declaration by Human rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks at the end of his five-day visit to the country
33rd Session of the Congress
Unaccompanied refugee minors, local and regional democracy, situation in Catalonia and fight against corruption amongst the highlights
Ukrainian law on education: implementing the conclusions of the Venice Commission
The Assembly today expressed its concern about the articles relating to education in minority languages of the new Education Act recently adopted by Verkhovna Rada and deplored the fact that “there was no real consultation with representatives of national minorities in Ukraine”. While noting that...
The role of internet intermediaries as gatekeepers to freedom of expression – Conference in Vienna
The role and responsibilities of internet intermediaries, which critically influence the way we receive and impart information in the digital age, will be the focus of a conference on internet freedom, organized by the OSCE and the Council of Europe in Vienna on Friday 13 October. The function of...
CPT publishes highly critical report on prisons in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
In a report published today on its December 2016 visit, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) strongly criticises the conditions of detention and treatment of inmates at Idrizovo Prison, which holds some 60 % of the...
Germany ratifies Council of Europe convention to end violence against women
Monitoring procedure to be strengthened as a result
Call for Fourth Summit and harmonised rules for member states’ participation in the Organisation’s statutory bodies
PACE today unanimously called for a Fourth Council of Europe Summit to preserve and further strengthen the pan-European project in a Europe which has profoundly changed since the last Summit 12 years ago. Such a Summit of Heads of State and Government should define, at the highest political...
Petro Poroshenko: Ukraine is fighting on two fronts – one military, the other for reform
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said his country is fighting a war on two fronts at the same time – one to counter military aggression and restore its territorial integrity, and the other to implement difficult and complex reforms. Addressing PACE today in Strasbourg, he hailed his...
Azerbaijan: strengthening parliamentary control over the executive; ensuring independence of the judiciary
During a debate today at its plenary session in Strasbourg on “The functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan”, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) raised a number of concerns, particularly with regard to checks and balances, the functioning of the justice system,...
Parliamentary Assembly overhauls its Code of Conduct in response to corruption allegations
Responding to allegations of corruption in its ranks, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has unanimously adopted a heavily revised Code of Conduct for its members, with the aim of “restoring public confidence” in its work. Approving a report by Ian Liddell-Grainger (United...
Miloš Zeman: "the endeavour of the Council of Europe towards friendship and not hatred among European nations will be successful"
“I believe that the Council of Europe’s endeavour towards friendship and not hostility and hatred among European nations – including Russia – will be successful in the long term,” said Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, addressing the Assembly today. “I believe that the role of the...
Secretary General Jagland says Catalonia crisis must be solved within the context of the Spanish constitution
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, in reply to questions from PACE members, has emphasised the importance of resolving the conflict in Catalonia on the basis of the existing Spanish constitution, or an amended version of it. He rejected the idea of international mediation, and...
Stella Kyriakides elected PACE President
Stella Kyriakides (Cyprus, EPP/CD) has been elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe following the resignation of Pedro Agramunt (Spain, EPP/CD) on 6 October 2017. She obtained a large majority over the other candidate, Emanuelis Zingeris (Lithuania, EPP/CD), in...
Ángel Gurría on the global economic outlook: "better but not good enough"
“There are some welcome signs that our economies may finally be escaping the low growth trap. The OECD projects global growth to increase to around 3.5 per cent in 2017 and 3.7 per cent in 2018, up from 3 per cent in 2016. But we are not out of the woods yet,” said OECD Secretary General Ángel...
Palais in pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time ever, the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg was illuminated in pink last night – in a special initiative to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The building, which houses the headquarters of the Council of Europe, will stay illuminated throughout the week of the PACE plenary...
The Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine celebrates its 20th anniversary
How can human rights be safeguarded in the face of scientific and technological developments in the biomedical field? The Committee on Bioethics of the Council of Europe will discuss the challenges ahead at an international conference being held on 24 and 25 October in Strasbourg to mark the 20th...
The Committee of Ministers shares the Assembly’s ambition to raise the Council’s profile and step up its activities
“The Committee of Ministers shares the Assembly’s ambition to raise the Council of Europe’s profile and step up its activities to help member States meet the challenges they currently face,” said Lubomír Zaorálek, Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic and Chairperson of the Committee of...
Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2017 awarded to Murat Arslan
The fifth Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – which honours outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights – has been awarded to Turkish supporter of the independence of the judiciary Murat Arslan. The €60 000 prize was presented at a special ceremony today at the Palais de l’Europe in...
Human Rights Commissioner calls on Spain to investigate allegations of disproportionate use of police force in Catalonia
Today, the Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks published a letter sent on 4 October to Mr Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Minister of the Interior of Spain, in which he raises concerns regarding allegations of disproportionate use of force by law enforcement authorities in Catalonia on 1...
Europe against the death penalty
The 47-nation Council of Europe and the 28-member European Union have published a joint statement to mark the European and World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October. The statement underlines the two organisations’ firm opposition to capital punishment in any circumstances. It also calls...
Turkey: Emergency Decree Laws are obstructing local democracy
In an opinion adopted today, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the “Venice Commission”) assessed the extent to which Turkey’s Emergency Decree Laws – passed in the wake of the failed 2016 coup attempt – include measures that go beyond what is permitted by international standards...
Venice Commission invites the President of Ukraine to submit a revised draft law on anti-corruption courts to Parliament, based on its recommendations
In its opinion on the draft law on anti-corruption courts in Ukraine adopted today, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the “Venice Commission”) said that many of the provisions of the draft law provide a good basis for the establishment of a high specialised anti-corruption court,...
Pedro Agramunt resigns as PACE President
In a letter, Pedro Agramunt today announced his resignation as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). A motion for his dismissal had been scheduled for debate at the opening of the plenary session in Strasbourg on 9 October. This debate will now not take place....
Sweden: move beyond emergency mode in migration-related areas to strengthen human rights
Declaration by Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks at the end of a five-day visit to the country
Autumn session: Czech and Ukrainian Presidents to address PACE, Václav Havel Prize awarded
Addresses by the President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman and the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and a debate on two reports calling for a Council of Europe Summit are among the highlights of the autumn session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), which takes place in...
Conference on harmonisation of case law and judicial practice
A high-level conference on the harmonisation of case law and judicial practice tackles inconsistent interpretations of legal instruments that adversely affect their implementation – and result in numerous complaints brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Most such cases do not...
The law on freedom of assembly in the Russian Federation needs thorough revision
Human rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks publishes memorandum
Award of "Meritorious for Justice " medal to President of Consultative Council of European Judges Nils Engstad
Nils Engstad, President of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE), was awarded the medal of the National Council of the Judicial of Poland “ Meritorious for Justice – Bene Merentibus Iustitiae” for his work on behalf of the CCJE in defending the independence of judges and courts in...
Lutte contre la corruption en France : quels progrès ?
Dans un rapport publié aujourd’hui, le groupe anti-corruption du Conseil de l’Europe (GRECO) dresse le bilan de certaines mesures prises par la France depuis 2009. S’il salue la mise en œuvre des recommandations en matière d’incriminations, notamment la prolongation du délai de prescription, le...
Council of Europe publishes its first monitoring reports on violence against women: Austria and Monaco
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) have published their first two evaluation reports: on Austria and Monaco. In Austria, among other findings, GREVIO notes a “stark contrast” in the number, scale and regional spread of...
Civil participation in decision-making in the spotlight
The Committee of Ministers today adopted guidelines aimed at promoting civil participation in political decision-making in the Council of Europe 47 member states. At a time when democracy is challenged by diminishing trust of people towards politicians and elites in general, one of the...
Prague international conference to end the immigration detention of children
”The cost of alternatives is much lower than that of migration detention. In addition, alternatives are less dangerous than detention; for the children themselves, in terms of the harm that deprivation of liberty inevitably causes. They are also less dangerous for our societies; the message...
Arbitrary Internet blocking jeopardises freedom of expression
“Internet blocking is a widespread phenomenon in Council of Europe member states”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. “Its impact on freedom of expression was highlighted already in 2011, when the former UN...
Greece: Anti-torture committee criticises treatment of irregular migrants – and continued detention of migrant children
In a report on its April and July 2016 visits to Greece, published today, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) raises concerns over the situation in the “hotspots” on the Aegean islands. It is highly critical of the...
European Day of Languages 2017: statement from Council of Europe Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland
"This year's European Day of Languages celebrates innovation in language learning and teaching. This provides us with the perfect opportunity to highlight the huge value of Europe's cultural diversity. Europe's nations are always at their strongest and most prosperous when we are open and...
2017 Crystal Scales of Justice Prize - Publication of the final selection
The European “Crystal Scales of Justice Prize”, awarded by the Council of Europe, allows discovering, highlighting and sharing innovative practices aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of judicial systems. Out of 37 applications from 18 countries and also from two international...
26 September: European Day of Languages
The European Day of Languages (EDL) is an annual celebration day to encourage language learning across Europe. At the initiative of the Council of Europe, EDL has been celebrated every year, on 26 September, since the European Year of Languages in 2001. The specific aims of the EDL are to: raise...
30 years of Cultural Routes: Building dialogue and sustainable development through European values and heritage
A Europe rich in history, heritage and values: the Council of Europe Cultural Routes’ programme celebrates its 30th anniversary, on the occasion of the 7th Advisory Forum in Palazzo Ducale and Real Collegio in Lucca (Italy) on 27-29 September, with a special ceremony to highlight the relevance of...
Implementing ECHR judgments: Latest decisions now online
The latest case-by-case decisions on the implementation of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights have been published by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. The committee adopted 39 decisions concerning 21 member states at the end of its regular three-day meeting in...
Venice Commission on Georgian draft Constitution
Postponement of proportional election system regrettable, bonus system of unallocated votes distribution should be abandoned
Luxembourg: Authorities encouraged to continue efforts to integrate asylum-seekers and migrants
“Luxembourg has made considerable efforts to respond to Europe’s refugee and migrant crisis by receiving asylum-seekers and relocating and resettling refugees from other parts of Europe and beyond. It has largely avoided the trap of political instrumentalisation of the issue of migration, and...
International conference on links between organised crime and terrorism
The Council of Europe, with the support of the City and the University of Málaga, is organising an international conference in Málaga (Spain) on 21 and 22 of September aimed at improving international co-operation to better address the interaction between transnational organised crime and...
Age assessment of young migrants: child’s best interests must be safeguarded, invasive methods avoided
A new report “Age assessment: Council of Europe member states’ policies, procedures and practices respectful of children’s rights in the context of migration” has been issued today. This report, prepared by an independent expert, is based on a survey conducted in 37 Council of Europe member...
Human trafficking: Ireland urged to improve the identification and protection of victims
European anti-trafficking experts have urged the Irish authorities to improve the identification of human trafficking victims and to review the policy of housing presumed victims in accommodation centres for asylum seekers as a matter of priority. These are among the main recommendations in the...
Anti-torture committee: New report on Slovenia
Overcrowding in prisons decreased, climate improved, but reservations exist about aliens legislation and means of restraint for psychiatric patients
