Welcome

I have taken up this post with a strong determination to address the most pressing human rights problems our societies face today.

Respect for human rights is an essential feature of any democratic society and the ongoing development of new standards is already ingrained in our European experience. However, as we continue to promote human rights, there is no room for complacency – new challenges arise every day and societal expectations are in constant change. Human rights work can only be efficient if it is done in permanent dialogue with all stakeholders – governments, international organisations, civil society institutions, human rights defenders and educational establishments.

To achieve our goal of mainstreaming human rights-based approaches into political decision-making, we need to encourage the development of open societies, where respect for diversity and engaged societal participation are the norm. Legislative reforms will only have a real impact if they are embedded in a supportive civic and political culture, enabling the consolidation of democratic practices in the long run.

The time has come to move from rhetoric to genuine reforms. My ultimate goal will be to achieve tangible results in pushing for the implementation of governmental commitments and in advancing the development of human rights-based democratic cultures. I hope that many of you will join me in this endeavour.

Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights