Speech
Reconquering Lost Ground: A Reflection on 75 Years of the UDHR in Europe
Speech (delivered online) at the Conference organised by the Université Paris Nanterre to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Excellencies, Dear participants, It is a great honour for me to be...
Country visit report
Italy should improve legislation and practice on migration and asylum, women’s rights and gender equality
In a report published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, recommends adopting a number of measures to better uphold the rights of migrants, asylum seekers and women. The Commissioner also raises certain issues concerning journalists and the legal...
Letter
Finland: Concern over right to seek asylum and need for human rights safeguards after full closure of Eastern land border
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Interior of Finland, Mari Rantanen, published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, raises concerns about the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants following the temporary closure of Finland’s Eastern land...
Speech
Let us keep doing our utmost to bring all Ukrainian children back home
Speech (delivered via video message) by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović for the Conference “Joint Steps to Bring Kids Back UA”, organised by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Kyiv on 8 December 2023 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,...
Speech
The resilience of the Ukrainian people stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of freedom
Speech by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović (delivered via video message) for the International conference "Freedom or Fear" dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organised by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for...
Country visit
Germany: address growing poverty and inequality by better protecting social rights and reinforce general frameworks for human rights protection
“While Germany has a well-developed welfare system, persistent challenges in accessing social rights have resulted in disquieting levels of poverty, social inequality and homelessness, affecting a growing part of the population. Rapid action must be taken to better protect the right to an...
Statement
Russia: decision to label the ‘international LGBTI movement’ as extremist is a grave attack against LGBTI people and human rights defenders
“The Russian Supreme Court’s labeling of the 'international LGBTI movement' as extremist is a grave attack on LGBTI people and those who defend their human rights”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic. “This stance goes against the fundamental principle...
Speech
Europe 75 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A journey of progress, setbacks and persistence
Speech by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, at the event organised by the German Institute for Human Rights (Deutsches Institute für Menschenrechte) and Evangelical Academy of Berlin (Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin) to mark the 75th Anniversary of the...
Statement
Andorra: guarantee the right to freedom of expression for women’s rights defender Vanessa Mendoza Cortés and ensure an enabling environment for women’s rights defenders
“The criminal proceedings against women rights defender Vanessa Mendoza Cortés undermine her freedom of expression and have a chilling effect on the work of human rights defenders, as well as on others who stand up for the rights of women and girls in Andorra” said Council of Europe Commissioner...
Statement
Hungary: The proposal for a “defence of national sovereignty” package should be abandoned
“The proposal to establish an ‘Office for the Defence of Sovereignty’ in Hungary, that would be vested with broad powers to investigate any organisation or person suspected of serving foreign interests or threatening national sovereignty, poses a significant risk to human rights and should be...
Issue Paper
Dealing with the Past for a Better Future - Resolute efforts on dealing with the violent past are required in the region of the former Yugoslavia
“The failure to fully deal with wartime atrocities and the root causes of conflicts in the 1990s continues to have devastating consequences on respect for human rights, the rule of law and social cohesion in the region”, said today Dunja Mijatović, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human...
Country visit report
Denmark: refocus on protection and integration in asylum policy and step up measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report on her visit to Denmark in May-June 2023, with recommendations on the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and the rights of persons with disabilities. There have been several positive...
Statement
Anna Politkovskaya: the pardon is an insult to justice. It should not stop the fight for truth
“The pardon by the Russian authorities of one of the men convicted in the murder of Anna Politkovskaya is an insult to justice, compounded by the fact that the masterminds behind this horrific crime were never revealed nor convicted,” said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human...
Rule 9
Georgian authorities should address the underlying reasons behind the discrimination and intolerance towards LGBTI people, and religious and other minority groups
The Commissioner published today her submission to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of the Identoba and Others group of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. This group of judgments relates to discrimination and manifestations of intolerance...
Speech
A paradigm shift is needed towards a human-rights approach to mental health care
Speech by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović at Riga Conference on promoting autonomy in mental healthcare (delivered via video) Excellencies, distinguished participants, Dear organisers, dear colleagues, Thank you for your invitation to this important event. I...
Statement
Italy-Albania agreement adds to worrying European trend towards externalising asylum procedures
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Italy and Albania on disembarkation and the processing of asylum applications, concluded last week, raises several human rights concerns and adds to a worrying European trend towards the externalisation of asylum responsibilities,” said today the...
Statement
Greece: the Ombudsman institution opening an independent investigation into the Pylos shipwreck is a welcome step
I welcome the opening by the Greek Ombudsman institution, in its capacity as National Mechanism for the Investigation of Arbitrary Incidents by members of the security forces, of an independent investigation into the acts and potential omissions of members of the Greek Coast Guard in relation to...
Country visit
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights concludes her visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan with a focus on the human rights situation of people affected by the conflict in and around the Karabakh region
“Human rights violations have again marked the last chapter of the long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in and around the Karabakh region. Full respect for human rights of all and strict adherence to relevant international standards should be now placed at the centre of the path towards...
Speech
ILGA Europe Annual Conference 2023: the resilience of the movement for LGBTI equality hinges on solidarity
Opening speech by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović at ILGA Europe Annual Conference Ljubljana 2023 “Rising to the moment” - Plenary and panel discussion: The practice of solidarity – Reflections on unity, trust and true connections. Good morning, it is a...
Speech
ENNHRI at 10: strengthening national human rights institutions
Opening remarks by Dunja Mijatović at ENNHRI's 10th anniversary conference: "Advancing human rights, democracy and rule of law at a critical time in Europe: the role of NHRIs and ENNHRI". "Dear all, dear friends, I am sorry that I cannot be with you in person to celebrate the 10th anniversary of...