More determination is needed to make human rights real

[26/01/12 09:30] “Europe must move with more determination from rhetoric to enforcement of human rights standards” stated the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, when presenting today the last annual report of his mandate.

The report identifies fields in which stronger political action is required. One concern is the justice system which is dysfunctional in several member states. “Corruption, political interference and lack of resources erode the independence and credibility of the judiciary. Strengthening the rule of law is essential to rebuild public confidence in the justice system.” (more)

Discriminatory policies towards elderly people must stop

[19/01/12 10:00] The privatisation of institutional care for older persons in Sweden has recently been marked by scandals. Media have revealed that a business company running a number of such institutions has prioritised profit making and bonuses for top managers over decent care for the residents.

Cases of urgent health conditions were mishandled as there were too few nursing personnel. Existing staff were asked to find ways to limit costs even on food, diapers and protective gloves. For instance, they were asked to weigh used diapers to assess whether they were full or could be used again. (more)

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Sustained efforts needed to ensure effective protection of human rights of the persons living in the Transnistrian region
[18/01/12 11:30] The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg has carried out his first ever visit to the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. The purpose was to discuss with the de facto authorities, including the new leader Yevgeny Shevchuk, and representatives of the human rights structures pressing issues affecting the protection of the rights of the people living in the region. On the eve of this visit, the Commissioner also had meetings with the civil society organisations operating there.

The Commissioner was informed by the interlocutors in Tiraspol about several important measures they intend to implement with regard to the functioning of the local courts’ system, the police and the penitentiary institutions. These measures will include, inter alia, granting in the course of 2012 of an amnesty to prisoners serving sentences for less severe crimes; introducing lighter punishment for crimes which pose no threat to life or health of the victims; a wider use of alternatives to imprisonment; a more resolute fight against corruption. (more)

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AGENDA

23-27/01/12 - Parliamentary Assembly Session with presentation of CommHR Annual Activity Report for 2011

27/01/12 - Solemn Hearing for the official opening of Court's judicial year

FILM

Commissioner in action for human rights

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