News 2009

Each child in need should grow up in a safe and stable environment

[28/12/09 10:00] "The process of de-institutionalisation of large-scale institutions for orphans and children with disabilities must continue, but it has to be pursued with care in the best interests of the child", declared Commissioner Hammarberg in his latest Viewpoint. Stating that suitable...

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Georgia: Commissioner Hammarberg brings process of releases forward

[21/12/09 11:00] On Saturday, three detained minors were released following the intervention of Thomas Hammarberg in Tskhinvali. "These young people were reunited with their families, two of them after more than a month in detention; the third one had been held more than five months. This process...

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EN FR

Letter to Germany

Commissioner Hammarberg stresses need to halt returns to Kosovo*

15/12/2009 Strasbourg

"The forced return to Kosovo of people who have found shelter in European states should be halted", said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights publishing today a letter to the Chancellor of Germany, Dr. Angela Merkel. He notes that Kosovo lacks infrastructures allowing refugees'...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg: Andrei Sakharov still an inspiration for human rights activists

Strasbourg, 14/12/2009 – "The example and thoughts of Andrei Sakharov remain acutely relevant," said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his Viewpoint published today, twenty years after Andrei Sakharov's death on December 14, 1989. "Sakharov presented a...

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EN FR

Letter

Migrants’ rights: Commissioner Hammarberg publishes two letters to Italy and Malta

10/12/2009 Strasbourg

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, published today two letters he sent last August to the Minister of Interior of Italy, Roberto Maroni, and to the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, of Malta Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici. The Commissioner's letters refer to that...

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EN FR

[09/12/09 15:00] “Systematic work is necessary to prevent human rights violations”

"There is an urgent need to prevent and remedy human rights violations at national level through systematic work for the implementation of existing standards" said Commissioner Hammarberg publishing today his Memorandum in view of the High-Level Conference on the "Future of the European Court of...

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Visit to Georgia

Human Rights Commissioner at press conference in Tbilisi: “Ordinary people should be protected from the consequences of the conflict”

04/12/2009 Strasbourg

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights visited Georgia from 27 November to 3 December. He was determined to contribute to the release of detainees and to family reunification during his mission. He achieved the following: two Georgian teenage school boys who were being detained in...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg in Georgia: detainees released

Strasbourg, 03/12/2009 – Two detained teenagers were released on Wednesday after intervention by Thomas Hammarberg in Tskhinvali. Two other minors will be freed within the coming days according to a pledge given to the Commissioner. The boys had crossed the administrative borderline from Georgia...

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EN FR

Kosovo*: “Time is not right for returns”, stresses Human Rights Commissioner

Strasbourg, 02/12/2009 – The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, expressed today his very deep concern at the forced returns to Kosovo of people who have found shelter in European states. "The time simply is not right for returns in general, let alone forced...

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EN FR

North Caucasus: “Persistent pattern of impunity”, reports Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 24.11.2009 – "Stability in the North Caucasus region has not been achieved. Increased activity by illegal armed groups, the lack of effective investigations into disappearances and killings, and murders of human rights activists are of particular concern" said the Council of Europe...

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EN FR

"UN Child Rights treaty 20 years on: Implementation still not satisfactory" says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 16.11.2009 – "The 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child should be a moment of reflection: many children still suffer grave violations. Their concerns are seldom given top priority in politics" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human...

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EN FR

The child’s right to respect: new publication on Janusz Korczak’s work

Strasbourg, 16/11/2009 – On the initiative of Commissioner Hammarberg, the Council of Europe published today the book "Janusz Korczak – The child's right to respect" which contains a series of five lectures held across Europe from 2007 to 2009. The publication presents an English translation of...

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EN FR

The Joint Conference concerning Roma Migration and Freedom of Movement

[09/11/2009] The serious human rights challenges faced by Roma when migrating or exercising their right to freedom of movement, as well as the security implications, will be the focus of a joint international conference in Vienna on 9-10 November 2009, organised by the European Union Agency for...

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Visit to Bulgaria

Commissioner Hammarberg encourages Bulgaria to make more efforts to protect the rights of minorities and children

06/11/2009 Strasbourg

Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg concluded a three-day visit to Sofia during which he assessed progress on the protection of the rights of minorities and disadvantaged children. The Commissioner met with the Minister of Interior, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Labour and Social Policy,...

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EN FR

“Intelligence secrecy is no excuse for covering up human rights violations” says Commissioner

[02/11/09 11:00] "Intelligence agencies have acquired new powers and resources - but they are not kept under sufficient political and judicial control. Governments should improve the oversight of these services" writes Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg in his new Viewpoint article. In particular, he...

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EN FR

“Europe should embrace multiculturalism and avoid narrow definitions of national identities” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 30.11.2009 – "Europe is still not free from racism, xenophobia and discrimination. Minorities are made targets of hate speech, violence and systematic discrimination, not least in the job market", said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg visits Bulgaria to discuss the rights of children and minorities

Strasbourg, 30.10.2009 – The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will visit Bulgaria from 3 to 5 November for high-level talks on protection of children's rights and on the respect of minority rights. The programme of the visit includes meetings with the Ministers...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg continues dialogue with Hungarian Prime Minister to eradicate intolerance and discrimination

Strasbourg, 26/11/2009 – "The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, published today a letter sent to the Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr Gordon Bajnai, on the fight against intolerance, discrimination and racism affecting members of minority groups, in particular Roma....

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EN FR

The Commissioner discussed minorities’ rights and discrimination issues during his visit to Lithuania

[22/10/2009] Commissioner Hammarberg visited Lithuania from 19 to 20 October for high level discussions with the Lithuanian authorities where a number of human rights issues were raised, including minority rights, the need to investigate the alleged existence in Lithuania of a secret detention...

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Viewpoint

Climate change is causing an unprecedented, global human rights crisis – and must now be countered by co-ordinated, rights-based action

19/10/2009 Strasbourg

The daily lives of millions are already being affected by the effects of global warming: desertification, droughts, flooding or cyclones. Basic human rights - such as the right to life, health, food, water, shelter or property - are threatened. The ones who will suffer most are those who are...

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EN FR

“Climate change is also a human rights concern” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 19.10.2009 – "The daily lives of millions of people are already being affected by the natural effects of global warming. Basic human rights - such as the right to life, health, food, water, shelter or property - are also threatened" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe...

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EN FR

Hungary: Commissioner Hammarberg recommends further action to eradicate intolerance and discrimination

Strasbourg, 15.10.2009 - Commissioner Hammarberg concluded yesterday a three-day visit to Hungary during which he held discussions with the Prime Minister, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Justice and Law Enforcement and other representatives of national authorities, international and...

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EN FR

The Commissioner discusses children’s rights, the situation of Roma and the erased with the Slovenian authorities

[09/10/2009] Commissioner Hammarberg visited Slovenia from 6 to 7 October for high-level talks on children's rights, the situation of Roma people and that of the so called "erased" (persons from former Yugoslavia who were removed in 1992 from the country's permanent residence registry following...

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EN FR

“Corruption is a major human rights problem” says the Commissioner at GRECO’s conference

[05/10/09 12:00]"No system of justice is effective if it is not trusted by the population" said the Commissioner speaking at today's high-level conference in Strasbourg organised by GRECO (Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe) to assess the challenges in the fight against...

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EN FR

“The death penalty is a fallacious idea of justice” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 05.10.2009 – "Europe is today close to being a death penalty free zone. However, more must be done not only to abolish it, but also to persuade public opinion of the need to protect the right to life in any circumstances" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg participates in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe

[02/10/09 12:00] Commissioner Hammarberg took part in the celebration for the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe on October 1. The Ceremony was held at the "Palais de la musique et des congrès" in Strasbourg. In his speech, the Commissioner underlined that over the past sixty years, the...

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EN FR

Turkey: Commissioner Hammarberg recommends further efforts to protect human rights for minorities, asylum seekers and refugees

Strasbourg, 01.10.2009 –The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, has initiated a dialogue with Turkish authorities on minority rights and on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. He published today reports on these two issues based on a mission from 28 June to...

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EN FR

Commissioner Hammarberg speaks at the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of CIMADE

[24/09/2009] On 26th of September, Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, took part in the launching of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of CIMADE – one of the French leading NGO on migrants and refugees' rights. The event was organised by CIMADE at the...

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EN FR

The Commissioner calls for better protection of human rights defenders

[15/09/2009] The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, has completed a week-long visit to the Russian Federation, including the Chechen Republic and the Republic of Ingushetia. At a press conference held in Moscow on 10 September, the Commissioner called for better...

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EN FR

“Flawed enforcement of court decisions undermines the trust in State justice” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 31.08.2009 – "Court decisions are not fully respected in several European countries. This must be seen as a refusal to accept the rule of law and is a serious human rights problem" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Viewpoint...

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“Serious implementation of human rights standards requires defined benchmarking indicators” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 17.08.2009 - "Closing the implementation gap between the rights proclaimed in human rights treaties and the reality in member states requires a systematic approach and meaningful indicators" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest...

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EN FR

State budgets reveal whether the government is committed to human rights

Strasbourg, 03.08.2009 – "The current economic crisis has made it particularly important to screen state budgets for their compliance with human rights" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Viewpoint published today. "The allocation of resources...

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EN FR

“Transgender persons should have their human rights fully respected” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 29.07.2009 - "Council of Europe member states should do more to stop transphobia and discrimination against transgender people.The situation of transgender persons has long been ignored and neglected, although the problems they face are very real and often specific to this group...

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EN FR

Moldova: “Ill-treatment and police brutality should be stamped out” says Commissioner Hammarberg in his report

Strasbourg, 17.07.2009 – "The violations of the prohibition against ill-treatment, which surfaced so acutely after the post-electoral demonstrations of 6-7 April, must be tackled head-on to restore a climate of confidence. Decisive action should be taken to enforce a firm attitude of ‘zero...

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Killing of Natalia Estemirova - Statement by Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 15.07.2009 - The brutal assassination of Natalia Estemirova was a horrible and cowardly crime and an attack against fundamental human rights principles. A determined and effective response is now required. Mrs Estemirova was abducted Wednesday morning in Grozny, Chechnya. She was...

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Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights concludes his visit to Turkey

Strasbourg, 03.07.2009 - Commissioner Hammarberg concluded today a six-day visit to Turkey during which he held discussions with the President, the Ministers of Justice and EU Affairs and other representatives of national and local authorities, international agencies and non-governmental...

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EN FR

“All people in Kosovo1 should benefit from European standards of human rights protection” says Commissioner Hammarberg on publishing his report

Strasbourg, 02.07.2009 – Presenting his special mission report on Kosovo today, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights stressed that all people living in Kosovo, regardless of their ethnicity, must benefit from European standards of human rights protection. They should not be held...

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EN FR

“The right to housing is essential in a democratic society”, says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 30.06.2009 – "The right to housing is of central importance to the effective enjoyment of most human rights. States should ensure their implementation, in particular in times of economic crisis" said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, issuing...

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Commissioner Hammarberg visits Turkey to discuss the situation of asylum seekers and minorities

Strasbourg, 25.06.2009 - The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will start on Sunday 28 June a six day visit to Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. "The aim of the visit is to gain first hand information on the human rights' situation of asylum-seekers and minorities and...

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EN FR

“Repression is not the only answer to juvenile crime” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 19.06.2009 - "Any measure to tackle juvenile offences should always focus on children's needs and interests, not on repression" said today the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, publishing his issue paper on "Children and Juvenile Justice: Proposals...

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“Repression is not the only answer to juvenile crime” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 19.06.2009 - "Any measure to tackle juvenile offences should always focus on children's needs and interests, not on repression" said today the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, publishing his issue paper on "Children and Juvenile Justice: Proposals...

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EN FR

“Belgium should improve detention conditions and strengthen migrants’ rights” says Commissioner Hammarberg in a report

[Strasbourg, 17.06.2009] – "Belgium has a good system of human rights protection, but more efforts are needed in certain areas, in particular on prison conditions, asylum procedures and the protection of the rights of migrants", said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas...

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EN FR

Guantanamo: Commissioner Hammarberg appeals to European governments to co-operate with President Obama for the closure of the camp

Strasbourg, 09.06.2009 – Following a visit to Washington DC on 1 and 2 June, Commissioner Hammarberg addressed a letter to all Council of Europe member states calling upon them to follow the example already provided by certain member states and welcome "cleared" ex-detainees in need of...

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Georgia: “Continued international presence and further human rights efforts are needed in the areas affected by the August 2008 conflict” says Commissioner Hammarberg releasing his report

Strasbourg, 15.05.2009 – "All parties involved should ensure a faster improvement of the human rights situation following last year's armed conflict" said the Commissioner releasing today a report based on the findings of his fourth visit to the region since August 2008. "The population must be...

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EN FR

“Time to honour our pledges” says Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 30.04.2009 - "Although human rights are ingrained in our European experience there is still a gap between political rhetoric and reality when it comes to their implementation" said today Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, presenting his 2008...

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Human rights were violated in Moldova, concludes Commissioner Hammarberg

Strasbourg, 28.04.2009 - More than three hundred persons were arrested in Chisinau, Moldova, in connection with the post-electoral demonstrations in early April. A significant number of them were subjected to ill-treatment by the police, some of which was severe. This was the conclusion of the...

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Children should be protected from the consequences of the economic crises, says Commissioner Hammarberg

[24/04/09] "Child poverty was already before the current crisis an acute problem in large parts of Europe" said Commissioner Hammarberg today at a UNICEF-sponsored conference at the State University of Moscow. "Now there is a serious risk of further degradation. We see already that allocations...

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Moldova: Commissioner Hammarberg to assess post-electoral human-rights situation

Strasbourg, 24.04.2009 – The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will carry out a visit to Moldova from 25 to 28 April to assess the human rights situation following the recent post-electoral events. "I want to obtain a first-hand, complete picture of the recent...

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Kosovo*: Exchange between the Commissioner and the UN on the environmental disaster in Roma camp

[23/04/09 12:00] The Commissioner published today an exchange of letters with Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo on the situation of the Roma, Askhali and Egyptian families who are living in the lead-contaminated camps of Cesmin Lug and...

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Polish authorities submit interim report on Commissioner’s Recommendations

[16/04/09] The Polish authorities have recently provided the Commissioner with an interim report on the progress made in implementing the Commissioner's 19 recommendations for improvement of the human rights situation in the country. Following Commissioner Hammarberg's visit to Poland in December...

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