Newsroom
Human trafficking: Latvia urged to better protect and compensate victims, convict traffickers
The Council of Europe’s expert group on human trafficking has urged Latvia to take further steps to identify, protect and compensate victims of trafficking, and to ensure that traffickers are convicted. These are among the main proposals for action included in the third evaluation of Latvia’s...
Conference on Social Resilience and Health Equity: A human right prospective for better resilience and preparedness
In the framework of the Italian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe is organising an event on Social Resilience and Health Equity. In the current international context, member States are urged to further engage in dialogue and co-operation, and to rediscover the very...
France should improve the identification, protection and compensation of victims of trafficking in human beings
In a new report the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) calls on the French authorities to take additional steps to facilitate and guarantee access to justice for all trafficking victims and set up a national victim identification and referral mechanism....
Criminal conviction of independent journalist Vladislav Yesipenko further undermines media freedom in Crimea
Statement by Dunja Mijatović, Commissioner for Human Rights
Belgium found to have breached the European Social Charter over “bogus internships”
The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has concluded that Belgium has breached the European Social Charter with regard to “bogus internships”. The ECSR considered that a traineeship must be understood as a limited period of work practice, either paid or unpaid, that includes a learning...
Council of Europe leaders make joint statement on Ukraine
The Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, Luigi Di Maio, the President of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović...
Commissioner’s report on Malta: high time for reforms to safeguard media freedom and better protect the rights of refugees and women
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović has published her report on her visit to Malta in October 2021. It contains recommendations for safeguarding media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists, protecting the lives and dignity of refugees, asylum seekers and...
Norway: further improvement needed to revitalise and develop the most endangered minority languages
In a new evaluation report, the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, recommends as a matter of priority that the Norwegian authorities improve the means for revitalisation and development of the country’s most endangered minority languages: Kven, Lule...
Deputy Secretary General at Global Conference for Media Freedom: “Even during crises, human rights apply and must be respected”
“Even during crises, human rights – fundamental rights – do apply and must be respected”, highlighted Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge while addressing the Global Conference for Media Freedom held in Tallinn (Estonia). The Deputy Secretary General underlined how extraordinary circumstances...
New Recommendation on democratic accountability of elected officials and elected bodies at local and regional level
The Committee of Ministers has adopted a Recommendation on democratic accountability of elected representatives and elected bodies at local and regional level. Prepared by the European Committee on Democratic Governance (CDDG), the Recommendation aims at creating the conditions and culture for an...
Information and communication technologies in elections: Council of Europe adopts new guidelines
The Committee of Ministers has adopted a set of guidelines on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the electoral process which aim at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and therefore enhancing citizens’ trust in democracy. Prepared by the European Committee...
Poland: Committee of Experts concerned about decisions affecting German language in education
The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages has taken note with concern of the recent reduction of the subsidy for regional or minority language education in Poland and the subsequent decrease of the number of hours for minority language teaching targeting...
Council of Europe celebrates Safer Internet Day 2022
For the 7th consecutive year, the Council of Europe is supporting the Safer Internet Day Campaign and and is joining forces with numerous stakeholders to work together for a better and safer internet for all, and especially for children and young adults. Safeguarding and promoting the rights of...
Implementing ECHR judgments: New factsheet on Roma and Travellers
The Council of Europe’s Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights has published a new thematic factsheet on cases related to Roma and Travellers. The factsheet summarises measures reported by nine member states to protect and further strengthen the rights of...
Digital Partnership: Council of Europe discusses cooperation with IT and internet companies and business associations
On 3 and 4 February, the Council of Europe organised an exchange of views with the 26 members of the Digital Partnership, an initiative aimed at fostering cooperation with internet and IT companies, and their business associations, to promote respect for human rights. The event – held in workshop...
Committee of Ministers refers Kavala v. Turkey case to the European Court of Human Rights
The Committee of Ministers of the 47-nation Council of Europe has referred the Kavala v. Turkey case to the European Court of Human Rights to determine whether Turkey has failed to fulfil its obligation to implement the Court’s judgment in this case, in line with proceedings provided for under...
For law enforcement professionals: new Council of Europe online course to stop violence against women
To improve law enforcement responses in cases of violence against women and domestic violence, law enforcement professionals now can learn more about the human rights dimension in countering such violence with new Council of Europe training for more effective victim-centred police response. The...
GREVIO takes over the leadership of EDVAW Platform
Ms Iris Luarasi, President of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), is taking over the Presidency of the Platform of Independent Expert Mechanisms on the Elimination of Discrimination and Violence against Women (EDVAW...
Time limit for ECHR applications reduced to four months
From 1 February 2022, the time limit for lodging a complaint at the European Court of Human Rights is being cut from six months to four months after a final ruling at national level. This follows the entry into force of Protocol No. 15 to the European Convention on Human Rights on 1 August 2021...
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concluded on Friday: From the speech of Undersecretary Della Vedova to the commemoration of the Shoah victims, here are some of the events involving our Country’s representatives
There have been five days of discussion, dialogue and reflection around themes of global significance, from the safeguarding of human rights to climate change. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which started on Monday 24th and concluded on Friday 28th January, saw the...
Justice for Journalists Foundation joins Safety of journalists´ Platform
Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ) today became partner to the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists. The Director of JFJ, Maria Ordzhonikidze, signed the agreement to join the Platform with the Council of Europe Secretary General,...
Council of Europe marks the International Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust
On the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the Council of Europe is marking the International Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust. Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić paid tribute to those who lost their lives. “Today, we remember the...
Data Protection Day
To mark Data Protection Day, which commemorates the opening for signature of the Council of Europe data protection convention on 28 January 1981, the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe today hosted a conference to discuss the potential as a global privacy...
PACE sets out wide-ranging recommendations for putting human rights at the heart of football
Football’s main stakeholders must put human rights values at the heart of the sport, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said in a wide-ranging resolution on football governance. The adopted text, based on the report prepared by Lord George Foulkes (United Kingdom, SOC),...
Italian Undersecretary of State Della Vedova: “The Council of Europe is a fundamental part of the collective effort to face global challenges”
“The Council of Europe is a fundamental part of the collective effort to face global challenges. It represents the continental emblem of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the expression of a multilateral vocation in which Italy fully recognises itself. Indeed it is an...
Secretary General tells PACE : “Our shared values far outweigh the single issues that divide us”
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has told members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) that the relative peace of recent decades has been underpinned by the organisation’s commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. She emphasised that even as the...
Tiny Kox elected as PACE President
Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL) has been elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Taking over from Rik Daems (Belgium, ALDE), he is PACE’s 34th President since 1949 and the third Dutch national to hold this office. He obtained an absolute majority in the first...
PACE Winter Session: hatred against LGBTI people, football governance, Alexei Navalny poisoning
Debates on combating rising hate against LGBTI people in Europe and on alleged violations of their rights in the Southern Caucasus, on business and values in football governance – with an intervention by FIFA President Giovanni Infantino – on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, and on the role of...
Council of Europe and EU launch joint project to support family courts in Turkey
The Council of Europe and the European Union have launched the joint programme on “Improving the effectiveness of Family Courts: Better Protection of the Rights of Family Members”, aimed at supporting the functioning of family courts in Turkey. “This project is specifically designed to improve...
Secretary General and CEB Governor reaffirm strategic partnership to promote social inclusion in Europe
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović-Burić met Carlo Monticelli on his first official visit as Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) to discuss the strategic partnership to promote social inclusion in Europe. The CEB was established in 1956 by eight member states of the Council...
States should effectively apply corporate liability to money laundering offences: Warsaw Convention report
The Conference of the Parties of the Council of Europe’s Warsaw Convention has called on its states parties to apply corporate liability to money laundering offences effectively. In a report released today, the Conference of the Parties of Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and...
Defender of disadvantaged population of “untouchables” in India receives Raoul Wallenberg Prize
Vincent Raj Arokiasamy, founder of the organisation “Evidence” in India, has been awarded the Council of Europe’s Raoul Wallenberg Prize for his outstanding determination and persistence in bringing meaningful change to the lives of the Dalits, historically known as “untouchables”. “Vincent Raj...
Secretary General: liquidation of International Memorial marks a dark day for civil society in the Russian Federation
The liquidation of International Memorial is devastating news for civil society in the Russian Federation. The existence and development of civil society organisations is an essential pillar of any European democracy. However, the Russian Federation appears to be moving further away from our...
Croatia: More needed to prevent corruption and promote integrity in government and police, say anti-corruption experts
In a new compliance report the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) assesses measures taken by the Croatian authorities to implement recommendations issued in the Fifth Round Evaluation Report on Croatia, which was adopted in early December 2019 and made public in March...
Poland: Further measures needed to implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Since having entered into force in Poland in 2009, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages applies to the following languages: Armenian, Belarusian, Czech, German, Karaim, Kashub, Lemko, Lithuanian, Romani, Russian, Slovak, Tatar, Ukrainian and Yiddish. In a new report the...
New Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
On the occasion of International Migrants Day (18 December), the Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has announced the appointment of Leyla Kayacik as her new Special Representative on migration and refugees. The announcement comes at a time when migration-related challenges are prominent...
Cyprus: Progress on Armenian and Cypriot Maronite Arabic languages, but room for improvement, say minority languages experts
State authorities in Cyprus continue to support minority language speakers by funding existing cultural institutions and establishing new sports facilities where their languages can be used, according to a new report by the Committee of Experts for the European Charter for Regional or Minority...
2021 North-South Prize awarded to the COVAX Mechanism and Zarifa Ghafari
On its meeting on 19 November, the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre endorsed the decision of the North-South Prize Jury to award the 2021 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe to The COVAX Mechanism and Ms. Zarifa Gafhari. The Covax Mechanism is selected in recognition to the...
Tunisia launches new initiative to better detect and help victims of human trafficking
The “National Referral Mechanism” (NRM), the first framework of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for identifying and referring potential victims of human trafficking, has been launched with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe. Based on a human rights...
Venice Commission publishes opinions in fourth and final plenary session of 2021
In their final plenary session of the year, again held in a hybrid format because of Covid, the constitutional experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission have adopted, among other texts, opinions on Albania, Cyprus, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The as-adopted opinions...
Hungary: LGBTQI amendments incompatible with international human rights standards says Venice Commission
The constitutional law experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission have published an Opinion on the compatibility with international human rights standards of Act LXXIX, as enacted by the Hungarian Parliament in June 2021. The Opinion focuses on amendments to Hungarian legislation...
AI in judicial systems: new action plan on digitalisation for a better justice
The Council of Europe’s European Commission for the efficiency of justice (CEPEJ) has adopted an action plan on digitalisation for a better justice for 2022-2025, aiming at reconciling the efficiency of new technologies and the respect of fundamental rights. This action plan sets the major...
“Crime and Criminal Justice -The Role of Restorative Justice in Europe”: Justice Ministers’ conference in Venice
“Crime and Criminal Justice -The Role of Restorative Justice in Europe” is the theme of the Conference of the Ministers of Justice organised by the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers in Venice on 13-14 December at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista. Restorative Justice...
Claire Bazy Malaurie elected as new Venice Commission President
Claire Bazy Malaurie, member of the Constitutional Council of France since 2010, has been elected President of the Venice Commission, succeeding Gianni Buquicchio, who has been President since 2009. Her two-year term begins today, 10 December, and she will be eligible for re-election in 2023. She...
Human Rights Day 2021: Now more than ever, we must stand up for human rights
The Secretary General of the 47-nation Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has made the following statement ahead of Human Rights Day on 10 December: “When faced with difficult challenges, it can be tempting for states to consider relaxing human rights protections. In fact, the opposite...
GRECO President: “Covid-19 related corruption risks remain high; governments should respond quickly but lawfully to the pandemic”
To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, commemorated every year on 9 December, the President of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), Marin Mrčela, issued the following statement: “As governments face successive waves of the Covid-19 pandemic and still...
“Free to Create, Create to be Free” – digital exhibition on artistic freedom
In today’s world, freedom of expression is facing growing pressure – and so is the freedom of artistic expression. The COVID-19 crisis has severely affected artists and the cultural and creative sector, having rendered, at the same time, ever more visible the importance of arts and culture that...
Secretary General asks Poland how it intends to ensure effective implementation of ECHR
In a letter to the Polish Foreign Minister, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has today taken a step of formally asking Poland to explain how, in the context of the recent judgment from the country’s Constitutional Court, it ensures the effective implementation of its...
How two key Council of Europe conventions can tackle online violence against women
As digital technologies have a reproducing and amplifying effect on existing gender inequalities, recent Covid-related restrictions and lockdowns have seen an increase in cybercriminal activities, as people stay online longer. As a result, women and girls are facing multiple risks of online and...
Committee of Ministers: Informal exchange of views with representatives of civil society on “Addressing hate crime within a human rights framework”
At an informal meeting on 6 December 2021, delegations from the Council of Europe’s 47 member States held an exchange of views with representatives of international civil society organisations active in the area of combatting hate crime. They discussed the challenges of data gathering, reporting,...
2020 North-South Prize Award Ceremony: focus on right to life and climate change
The 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe (Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, Lisbon, 9 December, 12 pm) will be awarded to the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), represented by its President, Judge Navanethem Pillay, in recognition of its contribution to the...
Athens Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Rule of Law
The Council of Europe is taking part in the third edition (online) of the “Athens Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law” on 6 and 7 December. Organised by the Future Society and ELONTech under the Patronage of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou,...
Implementing ECHR judgments: latest Committee of Ministers decisions
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 44 decisions concerning 19 member states during the meeting, including five...
Council of Europe at Internet Governance Forum 2021
The Council of Europe will participate in the debates of the 16th UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to be hosted by the government of Poland in a hybrid format in Katowice from 6 to 10 December, focusing its contribution in particular on the new challenges to the protection of human rights...
Croatia: anti-torture Committee publishes report on 2020 ad hoc visit
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published a report on its ad hoc visit to Croatia from 10-14 August 2020. The report is made public pursuant to Rule 39§3 (*) of the Rules of Procedure of the CPT, following written...
Conference on Integrity in Sport in Rome
Integrity is intrinsically related to the question of ethics in sport. The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) and the Italian Department for Sport, within the framework of the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, are co-hosting a Conference on...
Increased trafficking in counterfeit medicines : countries urged to ratify MEDICRIME Convention
The Council of Europe Convention on the counterfeiting of medical products and similar crimes involving threats to public health (MEDICRIME Convention) will mark its 10th anniversary on 2 December, with an online event taking a look at its background, added value, success stories and the...
History teaching to foster reconciliation in Europe: First annual conference
History can be taught in ways which foster reconciliation within and between nations, avoiding prejudice, stereotypes, and biased thinking. The newly-established Council of Europe’s Observatory on History Teaching in Europe will tackle challenges on the way history is taught in the Continent,...
Implementing European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers will hold its quarterly meeting to oversee the execution of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg from 30 November to 2 December. Cases proposed for detailed examination concern Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and...
Freedom from violence against women: The impact of the European Convention on Human Rights
The Council of Europe has published a new “Freedom from violence against women” section of its dedicated website highlighting the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights, as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The new section includes twelve case studies...
Secretary General meets Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met in Strasbourg with Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine. They have discussed co-operation in the culture, heritage and landscape field, as well as media, anti-discrimination and the...
International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women: Secretary General exchanges views with Italian Equal Opportunities and Family Minister Bonetti
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has exchanged views with the Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family Elena Bonetti. The meeting focused on the fight against violence on women and domestic violence in the...
Italy and the Council of Europe call for end to violence against women, including online
We have the tools to overcome the mounting threat of violence against women and girls, including online violence. Joint statement by Elena Bonetti, Italian Minister for equal opportunities and family and Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić. We mark in 2021 the anniversary...
Council of Europe Secretary General reacts to judgment from Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has made the following statement in response to today’s judgment from the Polish Constitutional Tribunal: “All 47 Council of Europe member states, including Poland, have undertaken to secure the rights and freedoms set out...
New Council of Europe recommendation tackles the “digital dimension” of violence against women and girls
This year’s UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) shines a spotlight on the digital dimension of violence against women and girls. From body shaming (mocking someone’s bodily shape, size, or appearance) and cyber-flashing (sending unsolicited sexual...
Secretary General meets Minister of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met in Strasbourg with Jagoda Shahpaska, Minister of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia. Earlier the Minister delivered an opening statement at the International Roma Women’s Conference “Protecting the Human Rights and...
Secretary General meets with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has met in Strasbourg with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader. They discussed the situation in Belarus in the light of recent developments in the area of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
International Roma women’s conference: “Protecting the human rights and dignity of Roma and Traveller women in times of crises”
Over 100 Roma and Traveller women are taking part in a hybrid conference organised by the Council of Europe’s Roma and Travellers Team in partnership with Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia from 24-26 November. Opened by Jagoda Shahpaska, Minister of Labour and Social Policy...
UNWTO and Council of Europe to Promote Cultural Routes
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Council of Europe will work together to develop the opportunities tourism offers to local communities and to enhance the tourist experience along the European region’s Cultural Routes. The joint actions will be aimed at recognising the...
Secretary General visits the Republic of Moldova
The Secretary General paid an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on 22 November. She met the President of the Republic, Maia Sandu; the Prime Minister, Natalia Gavrilița; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu; the President of the...
2021 European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction in Portugal
Earthquakes, floods, landslides, debris flows, avalanches, droughts, mudslides, and extreme temperatures: the effect of climate change needs a holistic approach to disaster risk to mitigate the worst impacts of the biological hazards. The 2021 European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction...
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Special Representative on Migration and Refugees welcomes opening of new Temporary Reception Centre LIPA
The Secretary General´s Special Representative on Migration and Refugees, Ambassador Drahoslav Štefánek, has welcomed the opening of the new Temporary Reception Centre LIPA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centre, which opened today, can host up to 1,500 migrants, including families with children...
Secretary General meets Prime Minister of Montenegro
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has met with the Prime Minister of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić in Strasbourg. They discussed co-operation between Montenegro and the Council of Europe and the priorities and future outlook of the Organisation. Montenegro...
Congress concludes election observation mission to Denmark
An eight-member delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has concluded its first ever electoral mission to Denmark following the observation of local and regional elections held in the country on 16 November. On election day, four Congress teams, deployed to the Copenhagen...
Italy takes over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers
Italy today took over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from Hungary during a meeting with representatives of the Organisation’s 47 member states. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, gave an overview of his country’s...
