Speech
Commissioner acclaims the leadership of Roma and Traveller youth and women and calls for joining hands for a better future
The Commissioner participated today in the flower casting ceremony to mark International Roma Day in Strasbourg. Here is the published version of his remarks made during the ceremony: “Deputy Mayor, PACE General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance Verducci, Excellencies, dear friends....
Speech
The Commissioner urges stronger parliamentary action to halt the erosion of human rights
In presenting his first annual report to the Parliamentary Assembly, Commissioner O’Flaherty pointed to the need to reinforce the action of national parliaments using human rights as their compass. Here is the published version of his remarks made during the presentation: “Mr. President,...
Speech
Commissioner reaffirms support and cooperation to NHRIs
Today the Commissioner participated in the “High-level conference for Ombudsperson Institutions and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI)” co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers on the current challenges related to the rule of law,...
Speech
Commissioner O'Flaherty highlights local governments as key human rights actors and pledges to intensify cooperation with them
In an address to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Commissioner emphasised the vital role of local and regional governments in defending human rights. Drawing on his recent work, including visits to Ukraine, Türkiye, and Georgia, he highlighted the urgent need for grassroots...
Speech
Standing up for the human rights of the people of Ukraine
Speech delivered by Michael O’Flaherty at the conference “The Role of the Council of Europe in the Pursuit of Peace, Justice and Accountability in Ukraine” organized by the Dublin European Law Institute in Dublin. Good afternoon, thank you for that very warm introduction. Thank you and well done...
Speech
Uphold the Rule of Law – Resist the Push Back
Michael O’Flaherty delivered the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Annual Human Rights Lecture in Belfast. Lady Chief Justice, Dear Chief Commissioner, Former Chief Commissioners, Commissioners, Chair of the Bar Council, Dear friends, Thank you very much for inviting me to deliver the...
Third party intervention
Oral intervention before the Grand Chamber in the case of C.O.C.G. and Others v. Lithuania
Mr President, Distinguished members of the Court, Today’s cases are of particular importance to me as they will have significant implications for the protection of the rights of individuals as well as for the system of human rights protection more broadly. Summary returns are widespread and...
Third party intervention
Oral intervention before the Grand Chamber in the case of H.M.M. and Others v. Latvia
Mr President, Distinguished members of the Court, Today’s cases are of particular importance for me as they will have significant implications for the protection of the rights of individuals as well as for the system of human rights protection more broadly. Summary returns are widespread and...
Third party intervention
Oral intervention before the Grand Chamber in the case of R.A. and Others v. Poland
Mr President, Distinguished members of the Court, Today’s cases are of particular importance for me as they will have significant implications for the protection of the rights of individuals as well as for the system of human rights protection more broadly. Summary returns are widespread and...
Speech
For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe
Speech by Michael O’Flaherty delivered at the PACE side-event “For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe”, co-organised by the Committee for Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue of the Conference of INGOs. I really welcome this...
International Day
On Human Rights Day, the Commissioner calls for action to realise the Universal Declaration's vision
Message of Michael O'Flaherty on the occasion of the Human Rights Day 2024 Today is International Human Rights Day 2024. This is a day for me to look back over the past nine months during which I have taken up the mandate of Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner. During that period, we...
Discours
Mettre fin aux violences et discriminations envers les femmes lesbiennes, bisexuelles et queer en Europe
Discours d'ouverture par Michael O'Flaherty à la conférence « Mettre fin aux violences et discriminations envers les femmes lesbiennes, bisexuelles et queer en Europe », organisée par la Plateforme parlementaire pour les droits des personnes LGBTI en Europe de l'APCE, en collaboration avec...
Discours
Il est temps de se mobiliser pour défendre les droits humains, déclare le commissaire O’Flaherty
Le Commissaire aux droits de l’homme du Conseil de l’Europe, Michael O’Flaherty, a marqué le 25e anniversaire de l’institution par un discours dans lequel il a souligné le besoin urgent d’un réengagement collectif en faveur des droits de l’homme dans un contexte de défis mondiaux croissants. «...
Speech
Exchange of views with the Committee of Ministers
Ambassadors, good morning. By now you will have seen my report covering the period 1 April to 31 August. You will observe that I have built it around my four priority work areas, and it addresses my engagement with states in the form of visits and otherwise, as well as my thematic focus of...
Speech
Exchange of view with the Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM)
Transcript of remarks by Michael O’Flaherty given at the exchange of view with the Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM) Chairperson, dear colleagues, it's a great pleasure to be with you today. I think that the work of CDDEM is of enormous significance, and I want you to count on my support as...
Speech
Remarks by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, on receiving the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria
What can I say, dear Ambassador, Excellencies, so many friends, colleagues in this room. I want to thank you very much. I want to thank you for the great honour that you have done me. I accept the honour, but I accept it, and I'm very clear on this, not just for myself, but for all those who work...
Speech
Ombuds Institutions / NHRIs amid Turbulent Times: Resilience and Challenges
Online speech by Michael O’Flaherty on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia at the Conference “Ombuds Institutions / NHRIs amid Turbulent Times: Resilience and Challenges” Good morning. Your Excellencies, Madame Human Rights Defender, distinguished...
Speech
Discours au séminaire annuel de l'ECRI avec les organismes de promotion de l'égalité
Transcription éditée du discours prononcé par Michael O'Flaherty, Commissaire aux droits de l'homme du Conseil de l'Europe, lors du séminaire annuel des organismes de promotion de l'égalité de la Commission européenne contre le racisme et l'intolérance (ECRI) « Dénoncer le racisme, l'intolérance...
Keynote address
The Artist as Defender of Human Rights
Keynote address 'The Artist as Defender of Human Rights', by Michael O’Flaherty, delivered at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Ireland, at the Special Evening Lecture organised as part of the exhibition La Grande Illusion by artist Brian Maguire on 9 October 2024. When I was a child of eight or...
Speech
Human rights and migration: 5 key elements
Speech by Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered at the Joint debate of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on “Missing migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers – A call to clarify their fate”and “A shared European approach to address migrant...