How to ensure respect for fundamental rights and freedoms while strengthening the fight against terrorism will be the focus of the third conference of the Independent Police Complaints Authorities’ Network (IPCAN) to be held by the French Defender of Rights and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 14 and 15 September.
In the light of the terrorist threat, some European countries are strengthening their legislation to fight terrorism more effectively, with the risk of undermining individual rights and freedoms.
The aim of the conference is to facilitate dialogue between independent institutions, members of law enforcement agencies and security forces, practitioners and researchers and to exchange practices with a view to agreeing ways of maintaining the right balance between security and freedom.
The conference will be opened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, and the Defender of Rights, Jacques Toubon. The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Nils Muižnieks, will also participate.
It will take place in Room G3, Agora Building (1 quai Jacoutot) and will be webcast live.
Jacques Toubon and Nils Muižnieks will give a press conference on Friday 15 September at 1p.m. (Room G6).