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Implementing ECHR judgments: latest decisions from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers
The latest case-by-case decisions on the implementation of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights have been published by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. The Committee adopted 33 decisions concerning 18 member states at the end of its quarterly human rights...
Shrinking space for freedom of peaceful assembly
Over the last year, protests have multiplied across the planet, from Chile to Hong-Kong. Europe is not left out of this wave of demonstrations. Protests are taking different forms, from large and repeated demonstrations to the occupation of public places and spontaneous assemblies. The use of...
Turkey: Protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law – even when fighting terrorism
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has underlined the importance of protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – including when fighting terrorism – in Turkey as in all other Council of Europe member states. Speaking at a conference on Turkey’s...
GRECO president: “Politicians should lead by example, without ifs or buts”
To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, held every year on 9 December, Marin Mrčela, president of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), said: “In too many countries we are witnessing corruption or unethical behaviours by the very persons who are in charge of...
Venice Commission: Ukraine, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, non-recognised territories
Constitutional experts of the Venice Commission have concluded that while there exists a clear obligation under international law for all States and international organisations not to recognise an annexation, explicitly or implicitly, this does not necessarily oblige the Parliamentary Assembly of...
Bosnia and Herzegovina must immediately close the Vučjak camp and take concrete measures to improve the treatment of migrants in the country
“The living conditions of hundreds of human beings in the improvised Vučjak camp are shameful. That camp should have never been opened in the first place. It is now urgent to relocate these people and provide them with decent accommodations. I was assured by the State Minister of Security that...
Speaking European - our languages, ourselves
From a baby's first words to the greatest literature, our ability to connect and express ourselves through language is an essential part of our humanity. Without words, how can we express our feelings, care for our families and loved ones, build prosperous and fair societies, or fight for our...
Statement of Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić following the desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Westhoffen
"I strongly condemn the desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Westhoffen, eastern France. We must take all measures to fight increasing anti-Semitism on our continent. This is imperative for the Council of Europe and its member states. Jewish life and heritage are part of our European identity...
Implementing European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers is holding its quarterly meeting to oversee the execution of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg from 3 to 5 December. Information on the cases to be examined in detail during the meeting is available here....
A call for Bulgaria to speak out for human rights
“The government should step up its efforts to fight the hate speech prevailing today in Bulgaria in particular against Roma, LGBTI people and other minority groups” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, today after a 5-day visit to the country. Hate speech and...
“Two clicks forward, and one click back”: children with disabilities reveal their experiences in the digital environment
Ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the Council of Europe presents a new report focusing on children with disabilities in the digital environment. The report describes the experiences of children with intellectual, physical, hearing and visual impairments....
Quality journalism needs to be strengthened and protected
Journalism has to be firmly supported by states, professional associations, internet intermediaries and platforms, regulatory authorities and journalists alike to ensure trust between public and media, concluded an international conference organised by the Council of Europe in Ljubljana in...
Violence against women: Council of Europe reaction to developments in the Slovak Republic
The Secretary General of the 47-nation Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has today made the following statement: “Today’s decision by the Slovak Parliament rejecting the ratification of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention and calling on the government to block the EU’s accession...
Committee of Ministers: Georgia takes over Presidency from France
The Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe today passed from France to Georgia, at a meeting at the organisation’s Strasbourg headquarters. France’s Secretary of State in charge of European Affairs Amélie de Montchalin gave an overview of her country’s achievements. The...
Earthquake in Albania: Secretary General expresses condolences and solidarity
Statement from Secretary General Marija Pječinović Burić
Si nous voulons des communautés ouvertes, tolérantes et inclusives, l’éducation est tout simplement vitale
Intervenant à la réunion des ministres de l’Education le 26 novembre à Paris, la Secrétaire Générale, Marija Pejčinović Burić, a souligné l’importance de promouvoir l’éducation à la citoyenneté numérique et l’enseignement de l’histoire en Europe. Extraits de son discours à retenir : « Lorsque le...
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through North-South cooperation
This year’s Lisbon Forum – organised by the Council of Europe’s Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity, or North-South Centre – focuses on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a better and more sustainable future. By promoting dialogue between countries in the northern...
New public policies for the Internet – 2019 IGF in Berlin
What are the risks of discrimination created by the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What access to data across borders do law enforcement need in order to fight cybercrime? How can privacy be protected in digital platforms? How do we rise to the challenge of tackling illegal content online...
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Council of Europe leaders note success of Istanbul Convention, but warn of challenges ahead
Marija Pejčinović Burić: The Budapest Convention will remain the most relevant international standard on cybercrime
Speaking at the opening of the conference on cybercrime, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić stressed the importance of the Budapest Convention, the only legally-binding international treaty, which is used on a daily basis by criminal justice authorities in national and international...
