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...