Newsroom
Decisions on the execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Committee of Ministers today published the decisions and resolutions adopted at its 1243rd special “human rights” meeting
European Social Charter: launching of the new website
10 December, International Human Rights Day
“Islamic State” are not a state, nor are they Islamic - Terror has no religion
Secretary General warns against maligning or marginalising any religious group
Leyla Yunus release overdue
"I am relieved about Leyla Yunus’ long overdue release. I hope she can now begin a full recovery and put this ordeal behind her. Today our thoughts are also with the other human rights defenders currently deprived of their liberty in Azerbaijan", said Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. Read...
Protect refugees and migrants, respect their human rights
Refugees and migrants in Europe need protection and respect for their human rights. Joint UNHCR/Council of Europe statement to mark Human Rights Day on 10 December
Child sexual abuse in the circle of trust
New report recommends covering all perpetrators by law, improving data collection, reducing child’s trauma
Poland Constitutional Tribunal decision "welcome": Secretary General
Further to the decision of the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland regarding appointment of constitutional judges, Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland issued the following statement: "There has been a controversy about the appointment of constitutional judges in Poland recently. I welcome...
Fighting radicalisation and promoting dialogue at Lisbon Forum
In the wake of recent terror attacks that struck Paris, Bamako and Tunis, this year’s Lisbon Forum – How to combat radicalisation and terrorism – is of greater relevance than ever. From 3-4 December at Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre, some 300 government and NGO representatives, educators and legal...
European Court of Human Rights judgments: Committee of Ministers examines implementation
Representatives of the 47 member States of the Council of Europe will examine implementation of judgments and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on 8-10 December 2015. This supervisory role of the Committee of Ministers is provided for under Article 46 of the European Convention on...
New genome editing technologies - Support within certain limits
The scientific community is abuzz with discussion about the new technologies to modify genes such as CrisprCas9. In a statement today, the Council of Europe's Committee on bioethics DH-BIO said, “There is strong support for better understanding of causes of diseases and future treatment through...
End sexual abuse of children!
First monitoring report on how countries protect children will be presented in Strasbourg
Minority languages: Active efforts needed to raise awareness
The Council of Europe has published new recommendations to Poland and the Czech Republic on protection and promotion of minority languages, based on reports evaluating how the two countries comply with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. While acknowledging a well-developed...
Disability: Human rights should come first
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
European Human Rights Convention: 65 years
"The European Convention on Human Rights has become a glue that continues to bind our Continent together, despite our many differences and the historical and political rivalries between our States. It has become the basis for a common European legal space, built on shared standards. Most...
Council of Europe welcomes further signatures of anti-trafficking convention
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has welcomed Liechtenstein and Monaco signing up to the Council of Europe convention against human trafficking today. “People trafficking is a hideous abuse of human rights which has no place in 21st century Europe,” he said. “Our legally-binding treaty helps...
Hungary’s response to refugee challenge falls short on human rights
An effective response to the current refugee movements across Europe can only be found through concerted European action, but states must continue to abide by their human rights obligations. “I am concerned that Hungary has not lived up to this challenge” said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe...
Council of Europe turns “orange” to end violence against women
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and Strasbourg Deputy Mayor, Nawel Rafik-Elmrini, hosted a ceremony today to illuminate the Council of Europe’s Palais de l’Europe building in orange, in support of efforts to stop violence against women. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange was selected...
Human rights of migrants and refugees: Council of Europe to intensify monitoring
Increasing reports of ill-treatment of migrants and refugees in Europe, for example attacks on homes for asylum seekers or the excessive use of force by police at borders, are a cause for concern according to Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. He is also concerned about problematic conditions...
Violence against women: Europe must become a zone of zero tolerance
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November 2015, Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe issued the following statement: “Violence against women and girls remains one of the most serious – and sadly most tolerated – human-rights...
