News

Europe must combat racist extremism and uphold human rights

[Strasbourg, 13/05/2013 14:30] - “Europe has been experiencing a worrying intensification of activities of racist extremist organisations, including political parties. According to some commentators, the upsurge has even reached the point of “an early form of far right terror”. It worries me deeply that the European community and national political leaders appear not to be fully aware of the serious threat that these organisations pose to the rule of law and human rights”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. (more)

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Press freedom in the digital age: new threats, new challenges

[Strasbourg, 03/05/2013 10:00] - “As growing portions of journalistic activity take place on the Internet, Europe has not become a safer place for those expressing critical opinions. Clearly, people reporting can reach out faster and to a broader audience than before. But old and new threats await them when they decide to do so: violence, intimidation, prosecution for lawful speech, judicial harassment and surveillance of those reporting continue unabated in the digital era, including in Europe”, says Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. (more)

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Human rights protection is under strain in Europe

[Strasbourg, 25/04/2013 15:30] - “The picture of the human rights situation which I have observed during country visits, meetings with authorities and discussions with NGO representatives in 2012 is worrying” said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while presenting his first annual report. “Of particular concern are the persisting patterns of discrimination, racism and homophobia; the treatment of migrants; constraints to freedom of expression; as well as the inefficiency of national judicial systems.” (more)

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Thematic work

Nils Muižnieks
is the Commissioner for Human Rights, an independent, non-judicial institution of the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness of, and respect for, human rights in the 47 member States

Agenda

 
  • 22-25/05/2013 Visit to Azerbaijan
  • 29/05/2013 Exchange of views with CM Deputies (Strasbourg)
  • 04-07/06/2013 Visit to Spain
  • 20/06/2013 Speak-up! Conference on freedom of expression and media (Brussels)
  • 24-28/06/2013 PACE session
 

Commissioner in action