Letter
The Slovak Parliament should not adopt legislation that threatens civil society
In a letter addressed to the Slovak Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting a draft law on non-profit organisations or any amendments which are not fully in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. Following a letter about the draft law...
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,...
Activity report
Amid global challenges, Commissioner O’Flaherty urges action to reaffirm human rights and dignity
Presenting his first annual report today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, warns that we stand at an inflection point for human rights and urges member states to renew their commitment to human rights. Addressing members of national parliaments from the 46...
Letter
Hungary should reconsider the law on assemblies and refrain from adopting legislative proposals which threaten the human rights of LGBTI people
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks members of Parliament to reconsider the amendment to the Law on the right to assembly, which effectively bans events like Pride marches. He also urges them to refrain from adopting pending...
Memorandum
Commissioner for Human Rights Calls for Stronger Protection of Human Rights in Georgia
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a memorandum on the human rights situation in Georgia, outlining his concerns and recommendations regarding the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, the protection of civil society, and...
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...
Country visit
Make human rights central to any peace process, says Commissioner O’Flaherty after visit to Ukraine
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a visit to Ukraine from 17 to 21 March 2025, during which he focused principally on placing human rights at the heart of the discussions towards peace. During his visit, the Commissioner expressed concern at the...
Statement
Turkish authorities should uphold the right to freedom of assembly and expression in the context of ongoing protests
“I am following with concern the reports about disproportionate use of force by the police and widespread restrictions of the right to receive and impart information in Türkiye in the context of the protests of the last days. These have followed the arrest and detention of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem...
Commissioner's Shout-out
Human rights should be an integral part of any peace talks on Ukraine
Amidst tectonic geopolitical shifts and the retreat of multilateralism, we are witnessing how human rights are being sidelined. A stark illustration of this are the current discussions about peace negotiations over Russia’s war against Ukraine. Every day since the start of Russia’s full-scale...
Letter
Poland: Proposed amendments to asylum law should be rejected to ensure human rights observance at the border with Belarus
In a letter to the Marshal of the Polish Senate, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks the Senate to refrain from adopting the draft law amending the Act on Granting Protection to Foreigners in Poland because it raises concerns as to its compatibility with human rights standards. “The proposed amendments...
Statement
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The authorities of Republika Srpska should repeal the “foreign agent” law
“I regret the adoption yesterday by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska of the law on the Special Registry and Transparency of the Work of Non-Profit Organisations, which provides for classification of civil society organisations that receive foreign funding as “foreign agents””, said today...
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...
Memorandum
Commissioner O’Flaherty recommends stronger action to uphold the human rights of Roma and Travellers in Finland, Ireland, and Slovakia
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, released today three Memoranda examining the human rights situation of Roma and Traveller[1] communities in Finland, Ireland and Slovakia. Each Memorandum presents country-specific findings and recommendations based on the...
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...
Commissioner's Shout Out
US aid freeze is leaving a void. Europe must fill it.
The decision by the Administration of the United States of America to suspend international aid has a negative impact on millions of people around the world, including in Europe. In response, Council of Europe member states should redouble their efforts to uphold the Organisation’s principles. I...
Third party intervention
Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in three hearings concerning summary returns of asylum seekers from Lithuania, Latvia and Poland to Belarus
The Commissioner intervened yesterday in three hearings before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in the cases of R.A. and Others v. Poland, H.M.M. and Others v. Latvia, and C.O.C.G. and Others v. Lithuania, in which he encouraged the Court to use the opportunities of these...
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...
Country visit
Greece: the Commissioner calls for accountability for human rights violations committed at the borders and intensified efforts to honour the human rights of Roma
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a visit Greece from 3 to 7 February 2025, during which he focussed on the protection of human rights in the context of border control operations and on the human rights of Roma. He expresses his gratitude to the...
Speech
Human rights oversight of artificial intelligence
Speech delivered at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris. Monsieur l’Ambassadeur, Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs, Chers amis, Many years ago, I was sitting on a hotel terrace, looking across the lawn. As I sat there, I became aware of a little machine going up and down the grass, cutting as it...
Speech
Commissioner’s video message to the National Forum on the Implementation of the Roma Strategy
Video message delivered to the ‘National Forum on the Implementation of the Roma Strategy. Valuing Diversity’, organised by the NGO Voice of Romni, Kyiv, 30 January 2025: Dear friends, thank you so much for inviting me to participate in this conference. I'm sorry that I cannot be with you in...
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...
Country visit
Georgia: Protect freedom of assembly and expression, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end stigmatisation of NGOs and LGBTI people
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, visited Georgia from 21 to 23 January 2025. He expresses his gratitude to the Georgian authorities for their cooperation and for the open discussions. During the visit he engaged extensively with authorities and civil...
Statement
At First World Congress, the Commissioner makes pledges to support efforts to end enforced disappearances in Europe
This statement was delivered on behalf of the Commissioner for Human Rights. The Commissioner for Human Rights is a non-judicial independent institution created in 1999 by the Council of Europe to promote awareness of and respect for human rights across its member states. Enforced disappearances...
Statement
Member states should enforce standards to combat online disinformation while protecting human rights for all
“The recent measures for adjustments of its fact-checking policy taken by META, which were preceded by similar measures taken by X, may have adverse implications for human rights. Platforms must not retreat from facts. If they do so, they create a vacuum where disinformation thrives unchecked and...
Letter
The Commissioner asks the Italian Senate to amend the ‘security bill’ to safeguard human rights
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate of Italy, published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks members of the Senate to refrain from adopting Bill 1236 on public security, unless it is substantially amended to ensure that it complies with Council of Europe human rights standards....
Letters
Czech Republic: the authorities should extend the law on compensation for victims of forced sterilisations
Commissioner O’Flaherty published today letters to the Prime Minister and to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic. The letters call for the urgent extension of the law on compensation for victims of forced sterilisations conducted between...