Portugal: Austerity measures pose a serious threat to human rights

[09/05/12 15:00] “Fiscal austerity measures implemented so far in Portugal have disproportionately affected the human rights of the most vulnerable social groups, especially children, the elderly and Roma. I welcome the government’s efforts at cushioning the impact of the financial crisis, notably through the ‘social emergency’ programme which started to be implemented late last year. Much more and systematic work though is necessary in order to fully protect and respect the social and economic right standards by which Portugal is bound”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, upon conclusion of his three-day visit to Lisbon.” (more)

World Press Freedom Day: “Media self-regulation prevents state intervention”

[02/05/12 14:00] “The idea of media self-regulation translates a desire to see media structures develop a code of ethics which would protect individuals or group interests from unacceptable abuse in the media. Through this, the media demonstrate that state interventions are not necessary”.

“Unfortunately, existing systems have not been particularly effective in most European countries. An urgent discussion is now needed on how self-regulation can be improved”. (more)

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Improving human rights protection at national level

[19/04/12 15:00] In a speech given today at the High Level Conference on the Future of the European Court of Human Rights, in Brighton (United Kingdom), Commissioner Muižnieks affirmed that he intends to contribute to a better protection of human rights at national level by supporting the implementation of the European Convention standards by member states.

“The Convention system is essential to many individuals who feel that their rights have not been protected. I will address the systematic failure to implement the Convention, particularly the shortcomings within national judicial systems”. (more)