News - Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law - Council of Europe

GRETA publishes report on Norway

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:51:54 GMT

The Council of Europe expert group on action against human trafficking (GRETA) calls on the Norwegian authorities to set up a national system for identifying and assisting victims of trafficking. In its first report on Norway, published today, GRETA acknowledges that Norway has taken significant steps to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, and commends Norway’s leading role in international efforts to fight human trafficking. That said, a number of important challenges remain, including the need to adopt clear procedures and criteria for identifying victims of trafficking. The report underlines that identification procedures should be improved so that victims of trafficking are not prosecuted for immigration-related offences. [

First GRETA report on Poland published

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:51:23 GMT

The Polish authorities have taken a number of important steps to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, but several important challenges remain, according to a report published today by the Council of Europe’s expert group on human trafficking, GRETA. The report notes that the criminalisation of trafficking in human beings in Poland took effect only in September 2010. There is still a significant gap between the number of identified victims of trafficking and the number of successful prosecutions and convictions.

First evaluation visit of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) in Serbia

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:18:12 GMT

A delegation of GRETA carried out an evaluation visit to Serbia from 15 to 19 April 2013. The visit was organised in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The delegation visited the Centre for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking in Belgrade and two social care establishments, in Belgrade and Novi Sad, providing accommodation and assistance to children victims of human trafficking. It also visited an NGO-run shelter for women victims of human trafficking. On the basis of the information gathered during the visit and the reply from the Serbian authorities to questionnaire, GRETA will prepare a draft report containing an analysis of the implementation of the Convention by Serbia and suggestions for further action. (Read more)

Multilateral meeting on prison management

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:17:52 GMT

The meeting will be held in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 25-26 April 2013. The meeting is being organised within the multilateral co-operation activities of the Council of Europe in the penitentiary field for participants from a number of member States which are currently in the process of developing their policies regarding prison management, focusing on sentence planning and prison regime. The aim of the multilateral meeting is to bring together representatives of countries with different experiences regarding policies for improving prison management to share good practices and to identify ways of introducing new approaches in their systems, in line with the standards of the Council of Europe and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).
For more information about the meeting : Concept Paper

International Conference on "The Use of Special Investigation Techniques to Combat Terrorism and Other Forms of Serious Crime", 14-15 May 2013, Strasbourg

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:33:35 GMT

To protect society from terrorism and organised crime, law-enforcement must apply modern investigation methods incorporating the latest advances in technology. Gathering of information without alerting the suspect through interception of communication, electronic surveillance and other means known as “special investigation techniques” must be respectful of the Human Rights of all involved and ensure that the evidence obtained can be used in criminal procedures under the rule of law. On 14 and 15 May 2013, the Council of Europe will host in Strasbourg a Conference on special investigation techniques, in close co-operation with the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the League of Arab States. The aim of the Conference is to bring a broader perspective to examining the applicable international legal frameworks, to identify new developments since the adoption of CM Recommendation Rec(2005)10 on the use of special investigation techniques, and to exchange views and best practices on the new challenges and solutions.

Milestone reached in negotiations on accession of EU to the European Convention on Human Rights

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:32:56 GMT

Negotiators of the 47 Council of Europe member states and the European Union have finalised the draft accession agreement of the European Union to the European Convention on Human rights. The EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg will now be asked to give its opinion on the text. Accession of the EU to the ECHR will strengthen the protection of human rights in Europe, by ultimately submitting the EU and its legal acts to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. Thorbjørn Jagland, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, welcomed the agreement reached by the negotiators.

Council of Europe Journal : What the Organisation is doing to fight corruption ?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:05:45 GMT

Interviews with Wolgang Rau, Executive Secretary of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), Erkki Laukkanen, Head of Transparency International in Finland, and Björn Thorvaldsson, Head of Iceland’s delegation to GRECO

Milestone reached in negotiations on accession of EU to the European Convention on Human Rights

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:05:10 GMT

New GRECO Report : Iceland urged to further strengthen anti-corruption measures

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:16:28 GMT

Due to its unique circumstances, Iceland faces particular challenges in preventing corruption among its key institutions. Significant improvements have been made recently, notably since the collapse of the banking system, but there is still work to be done. These are the main findings of an evaluation report published today by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), which focuses on anti-corruption measures among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors.

New GRECO Report : Finland encouraged to further sharpen its tools to prevent corruption

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:16:42 GMT

Finland has an effective system for preventing corruption among members of parliament, judges and prosecutors. However, there is still room for improvement – particularly with regard to conflicts of interest among parliamentarians. These are the main findings of an evaluation report published today by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). The report noted that Finland is widely regarded as being one of the least corrupt countries in Europe, and that perceptions of corruption among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors are relatively low. Despite a long tradition of limited regulation in this area, Finland also has a good record of implementing anti-corruption measures suggested by GRECO itself.

A new handbook on the protection of migrants

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:31:16 GMT

What are the means to protect migrants in the light of the two fundamental legal instruments of the Council of Europe, which are the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Social Charter? The handbook is available on-line in English. It will be available soon also in French, German, Russian, Greek and Serbian.

Round-table to support the anti-trafficking efforts in Cyprus

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:44:57 GMT

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Cyprus took place in Nicosia on 4 March 2013. The meeting brought together some 22 representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations who discussed ways in which the Council of Europe can support Cyprus in its anti-trafficking efforts.

European anti-torture watchdog elects its new Bureau

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:54:53 GMT

"Violence against women: our concern, our response" - A Side Event at the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:48:59 GMT

The Side Event will present the added value of the Istanbul Convention in the framework of international and regional legally binding treaties. It will also highlight its significance as an efficient and practical tool for governments to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence in Europe and beyond.

GRETA publishes report on Portugal

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:48:15 GMT

The Council of Europe expert group against human trafficking (GRETA) today called on the Portuguese authorities to improve the assistance provided to victims of trafficking in human beings, and to provide them with appropriate and safe accommodation. In its first report on Portugal, which was published today, GRETA acknowledges that Portugal has taken important steps to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, although it also urges the authorities to take further measures to improve the identification of victims and the prosecution of traffickers.

Harmonisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina policies and practices with European standards

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:14:03 GMT

A launching Conference is organised on 12 Febrauary in Sarajevo to mark the start of a new Joint Programme between the European Union and Council of Europe in the field of prison reform. The project, entitled “Harmonisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina sanctions policies and practices with European standards”, will focus on areas within the prisons sector where further improvements are urgently needed, notably implementation of alternative sanctions, assessing options for the establishment of probation service(s), further development of training capacities and treatment of vulnerable categories of prisoners.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits San Marino

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:38:10 GMT

Call for expression of interest for short-term consultants

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:37:18 GMT

The Action against Crime Department is looking for candidates for short-term consultants for cooperation activities the Council of Europe implements or will be implementing in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Ukraine and other countries member of the Council of Europe. Position description :
- Short-term consultant in the penitentiary field
- Short-term consultant in the police field

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits prison on the island of Imralı (Turkey)

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:36:19 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Greenland

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:35:41 GMT

Five years of commitment to action against human trafficking in Europe

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:34:58 GMT

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the entry into force of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. With an emphasis on the human rights of victims of trafficking, the Convention contains measures to ensure the proper identification of victims, their assistance and protection, as well as the prosecution of traffickers and international co-operation. The Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), which monitors the implementation of obligations under the Convention, has already published 16 country evaluation reports. GRETA’s reports on France and Latvia have just been made public. It is clear that not only human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation persists, but trafficking for the purpose of forced labour or services is on the increase in Europe.

US intends to join the European Commission for Democracy through Law of the Council of Europe

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:10:36 GMT

Poland should strengthen its tools to fight corruption

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:27:42 GMT

GRETA publishes report on Malta

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:26:27 GMT

Council of Europe Secretary General welcomes publication of anti-torture Committee report on the Russian Federation - Report makes critical assessment of treatment of detained persons in Northern Caucasus

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:25:32 GMT

Italy ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No. 201).

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:00:13 GMT

Regional Conference on the prevention and combat of violence against women and domestic violence

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:30:02 GMT

The Conference is organised by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Parliament, and is taking place in Helsinki on 17 and 18 January 2013. The objectives of this regional Conference is to encourage Council of Europe member states to sign and ratify the Convention; to raise awareness of its existence among members of parliament, NGOs, the media and professionals working in the field; to discuss the benefits and challenges of ratifying the Convention;to exchange experiences, know-how and networking.

Estonia urged to sharpen corruption prevention policy

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:52:41 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has called on Estonia to make a number of improvements to its corruption prevention policy in respect of members of Parliament, judges and prosecutors. In a report published today, GRECO acknowledges that Estonia remains one of the least corrupt countries in today’s Europe. Its legislative framework in the field under review is found to be satisfactory and would potentially become more focused following the entry into force in April 2013 of the revised Anti-Corruption Act.

Switzerland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:06:00 GMT

Switzerland becomes the 38th member State to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on 17 December 2012. The Convention will enter into force as regards Switzerland on 1 April 2013.

International Conference "Making Prevention Work: Addressing the Root Causes of Human Trafficking in Europe"

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:22:44 GMT

The Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in collaboration with the Bulgarian National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, organised an international expert conference entitled Making Prevention Work: Addressing the Root Causes of Human Trafficking in Europe. The conference took place on 4-5 December 2012 in Sofia, Bulgaria and brought together some 130 participants from 37 countries. The conference was organised around four main themes: prevention among minorities at risk, with a special focus on the Roma communities; measures to discourage demand, including through private-public partnerships; role of research and data collection in the prevention of trafficking in human beings; alternative/interactive awareness-raising methods.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Belgium

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:42:48 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Ukraine

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:42:34 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:42:18 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Lithuania

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:41:55 GMT

Committee of Ministers: decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:06:28 GMT

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe published the decisions and resolutions adopted at its fourth special human rights meeting for 2012. More information on the execution process and on the state of execution in cases pending for supervision as well as important reference texts (including the new working methods) can be found on the website of the Committee of Ministers, on the special website of the Department for the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and in the Committee of Ministers’ Annual Reports on its execution supervision.

International Human Rights Day: Joint statement by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:58:26 GMT

Gilbert Saboya Sunyé, Foreign Minister of the Principality of Andorra and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, and Jean-Claude Mignon, President of the Parliamentary Assembly, issued the following statement on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, on 10 December: “The Council of Europe works on a daily basis to protect human rights throughout Europe. Over the years, the Council has recorded many successes, first and foremost of which is the European Convention on Human Rights and its control mechanism. The European Court of Human Rights offers victims of human rights violations the assurance that they will be heard and that the Council of Europe will do its utmost to remedy and put an end to such violations. These successes should not, however, let us forget that much still remains to be done and that this is a task which will need to be continued for generation to come.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee announces visits to ten states in 2013 to monitor the situation of persons deprived of their liberty

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:26:26 GMT

In 2013, as part of its programme of periodic visits, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) intends to examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the following ten countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, San Marino, the Slovak Republic, Turkey and Ukraine. Persons in possession of information concerning deprivation of liberty in any of these countries which they believe could assist the CPT are invited to bring it to the Committee’s attention. The CPT will also organise ad hoc visits whenever it considers this is required by the circumstances.

The role of international cooperation in tackling sexual violence against children

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:25:15 GMT

What is the role of international cooperation in tackling sexual violence against children? Can new approaches and strategies be identified and promoted? These themes were discussed at an international conference in Rome on 29-30 November 2012.

International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women: Thorbjørn Jagland calls on Governments to ratify treaty

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:23:03 GMT

"Every day in Europe women are victims of violence just because they are women. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November reminds us all that we need to fight this violation of human rights.The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women contains all the measures that need to be taken to prevent violence, protect the victims and end impunity. I therefore call on governments across Europe to assume their responsibility to protect and empower millions of European women by ratifying the Council of Europe Convention. The Convention has been signed by 24 member states and ratified by Turkey. Nine more ratifications are needed for the Convention to enter into force. The best pledge that European governments can make on 25 November is to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention"

Conference in Ankara to step up progress in combating violence against children

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:22:11 GMT

How to effectively implement integrated national strategies against violence and strengthen child protection systems? How to improve accountability and responsiveness when safeguarding children’s rights and eliminating violence? These questions were considered at a European conference on 27 and 28 November in Ankara organised by the Government of Turkey, the Council of Europe and UNICEF.

“Keep me safe”: Council of Europe documentary launched

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:12:58 GMT

On the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, the Council of Europe has launched a television and web documentary “Keep me safe”. This documentary illustrates good practices taking place in different member states through prevention, education and protection of victims, and through promoting child-friendly justice.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee urges states to set up national bodies to monitor places of deprivation of liberty

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:09:25 GMT

In its annual report, published today, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) urges all Council of Europe member states to ratify a UN treaty and establish independent national bodies to monitor the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. “Monitoring mechanisms at national level can intervene frequently and rapidly, and so are able to make an enormous contribution to the prevention of ill-treatment. That is why it is essential that independent structures of this kind are set up without delay in all countries. They will also be a valuable source of information for the CPT and can bolster the monitoring work the Committee is doing, in particular by following up the implementation of its recommendations”, said Lətif Hüseynov, CPT president.

Council of Europe publishes first report ever on fighting corruption in Liechtenstein

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:29:11 GMT

The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), one of the Council of Europe’s monitoring bodies established to protect democracy and the rule of law in Europe, has just released its first report on Liechtenstein. The report shows that the country is in the early stages of implementing effective anti-corruption measures. Its limited size is thought to prevent corruption but in a context of closer social relationships, there is a clear need to improve awareness of potential problems posed by situations that give rise to conflicts of interest. Also the current approach does not take into account the broad variety of forms of bribery, such as favours and gratuities, beyond strictly material bribes. (more ...)

Council of Europe explains genetic testing - Under what circumstances is genetic testing foreseen? What does it look for? How should its results be interpreted?

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:22:43 GMT

All questions are intelligibly answered in a new brochure produced by the Council of Europe, with the support of the European Society of Human Genetics and Eurogentest.

Genetic testing is a source of considerable advances in human health, and will increasingly form part of standard medical practice. Its use is not without implications for the persons concerned, and for their family members. Results are complex to analyse and often with limited predictive value, so it is important to get appropriate support when a genetic test is envisaged and on subsequent receipt of results. The availability of direct-to-consumer genetic test, online especially, outside any individualised medical supervision, raises particular concerns. it is important for everyone to have access to objective general information about the nature of these tests, their application in the health field, and the extent but also the limits of results. The brochure, available online, will be translated into some twenty European languages.

CPT publishes report on Switzerland

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:57:54 GMT

CPT examines treatment of foreign nationals during deportation flight from United Kingdom

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:57:19 GMT

The Regional Court of Antwerp, winner of the 2012 Crystal Scales of Justice Prize

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 06:53:20 GMT

The 2012 European Crystal Scales of Justice prize for innovative court practices was awarded today to the Regional Court of Antwerp (Belgium) for its efforts consented to the follow-up of judicial expertises. Three special mentions were also given to projects from France, Spain and Slovenia: the co-hearing of the judge to family affairs – Auditor of children, presented by the Regional Court of Tarascon (France) ; Lexnet, presented by the General Secretariat of justice administration (Spain) ; Judicial data warehouse and performance dashboards, presented by the Supreme Court of Slovenia The jury of eminent individuals from the judicial world, examined 38 applications from some 18 European States. The Crystal Scales of Justice Prize is jointly awarded by the Council of Europe, through the European Commission for efficiency of justice (CEPEJ), and the European Commission.

The European Day of justice is celebrated today in Europe

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:15:14 GMT

The European Day of justice is celebrated every year on 25 October. It is aimed for European citizens, students and professionals in the field of justice and is organised jointly by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The Crystal Scales of Justice prize, rewarding innovative practices in the field of justice, is also awarded on this occasion. The main event of this day will take place in Vilnius, in presence of the Minister of Justice of Lithuania. One of the Council of Europe’s missions is to support initiatives aimed to bring justice closer to citizens by offering them the opportunity to inform them on their rights and to better undestand the functioning of the judicial systems through events organised mainly by courts. The work of the European Commission for the efficiency of justice (CEPEJ) which represents a real support for justice professionals, are highlighted on this occasion.

1st Evaluation Round: GRETA visits Spain

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:33:55 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a country visit to Spain from 15 to 19 October 2012. The visit was organised in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013). During the visit, the GRETA delegation met the State Secretary for Security, Mr Ignacio Ulloa Rubio, and the Ambassador for Human Rights, Mr Juan Manuel Cabrera Hernández. It also held consultations with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the Special Government Delegation against Gender-based Violence, which leads and co-ordinates action against human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, Social Affairs and Equality, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, the Office for Asylum and Refugees, the National Police, the Guardia Civil, the General Prosecutor's Office, and the General Council for the Judiciary.

Multilateral Meeting on probation and its role in improving the social reintegration of offenders

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:23:34 GMT

The meeting will be held in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 25-26 October 2012. Organised by the Prison and Police Reform Unit within the multilateral co‑operation activities of the Council of Europe in the penitentiary field, the meeting is intended for participants from a number of member States which are currently in the process of developing their probation policies and practices for reducing recidivism and prison overcrowding and for supporting the social reintegration of offenders in the community. The aim of the Multilateral Meeting is to bring together representatives of countries with different experiences regarding policies for the broader implementation of alternatives to custody and to give them the possibility to share their experiences and best practices and also to identify ways of introducing new developments in their systems.

Sixth European Anti-Trafficking Day: "We will never win the war against trafficking if we fail to empower victims"

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:19:01 GMT

In Brussels today to speak at a conference organised by the Cyprus Presidency and the European Commission to mark the Sixth EU Anti-Trafficking Day, Mr Nicolas Le Coz, President of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), declared: “The fight against trafficking in human beings continues to be slowed down by persisting prejudices and misconceptions. There cannot be effective prevention of human trafficking without education, empowerment and anti-discrimination measures.” The President of GRETA recalled that the construction of a system to fight human trafficking should follow a human rights-based and victim-centred approach. He noted that in certain countries, the identification of victims of trafficking is primarily done from a law enforcement or irregular migration perspective, without the involvement of multidisciplinary expertise. Many victims remain undetected and unassisted. "We will never win the war against trafficking if we fail to empower the victims," he said. Mr Le Coz also stressed the need to improve co-ordination between all stakeholders and to step up proactive investigations.

Petition to Council of Europe member states to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:59:32 GMT

On October 4, 2012, the Global Fund for Women, together with WAVE Europe, handed over to the Secretary General an online petition to Council of Europe member states, calling on them to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention. This petition was signed by over 10.000 supporters of the Istanbul Convention from over 30 countries in the world.

Council of Europe's anti-trafficking monitoring body publishes its 2nd General Report

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:58:36 GMT

In its 2nd General Report, published today, the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) highlights some issues emerging from the first 10 country-by-country monitoring reports published since September 2011. “In our free-market societies, human beings are an easy target for traffickers and exploiters who consider that women, men or children are mere commodities and that exploitation is justified by the economic situation and their alleged consent”, said Nicolas Le Coz, President of GRETA. “Fortunately, the European public order based on human rights – enshrined in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings – provides a powerful framework for the fight against human trafficking”, he added.

Committee of Ministers: decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:58:48 GMT

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe published the decisions and resolutions adopted at its third special human rights meeting for 2012. More information on the execution process and on the state of execution in cases pending for supervision as well as important reference texts (including the new working methods) can be found on the website of the Committee of Ministers, on the website of the Department for the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and in the Committee of Ministers’ Annual Reports on its execution supervision.

Closing Conference of the project entitled ''Dissemination of Model Prison Practices and Promotion of the Prison Reform in Turkey'', Ankara, 27 Septembre

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:59:01 GMT

The Conference will take place on 27 September in Ankara, to mark the conclusion of the Joint Programme between the European Union and Council of Europe in the field of prison reform. This project contributed to the dissemination of model practices to 90 prisons throughout Turkey.

Official launch of the EU/CoE Joint Programme “Improving the Efficiency of the Turkish Criminal Justice System”, Ankara, 26 September 2012

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:36:19 GMT

The Joint Programme between the European Union and the Council of Europe on ‘Improving the Efficiency of the Turkish Criminal Justice System’; which aims at improving the Turkish criminal justice system in line with European standards, is to be officially launched with the participation of guest speakers including the Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. Sadullah ERGIN; Head of EU Delegation/Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jean Maurice RIPERT; Deputy President of HCJP, Mr Ahmet HAMSİCİ; Project Long Term Consultant, Mr Marcel LEMONDE; Council of Europe Director a.i. Office of the DG Programmes, Ms Verena TAYLOR; Council of Europe Head of the Human Rights Policy and Development Department, Mr. Jörg POLAKIEWICZ and Programme Authorizing Officer and Director of the CFCU Mr Muhsin ALTUN.

Regional Conference on the prevention and combat of violence against women, in Rabat, Morocco, 24-25 September 2012

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:54:31 GMT

The Conference was organised by the Council of Europe and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and with financial support from the Government of Norway. The objective of the Conference was three-fold : to share knowledge of the problem, particularly as regards identification, observation and analysis tools; to exchange good governance and monitoring practices between the countries on both shores in respect of the protection of women from all forms of discrimination and violence, as well as preventing action and social mobilisation; to introduce and develop shared tools for monitoring and taking action, and to strengthen the Mediterranean partnership in respect of the combating of violence against women.

Two new complaints have been lodged with the European Committee of Social Rights

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:19:00 GMT

European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) v.The Netherlands, Complaint No. 86/2012, concerns the situation of the homeless. (more information)
- International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) v. Italy, Complaint No. 87/2012, concerns the conscientious objection of medical practitioners in relation to the termination of pregnancy. (more information)

GRETA publishes its first evaluation report on Montenegro

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:32:40 GMT

In the report, GRETA welcomes the important steps taken by the Montenegrin authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, such as the signing of a Memorandum of Co-operation defining the responsibilities of each stakeholder for handling human trafficking cases. That said, GRETA stresses that all signatories of the Memorandum should effectively fulfil their responsibilities. Furthermore, co-ordination needs to be strengthened to ensure that civil society is involved in the planning and implementation of national anti-trafficking policy.

First Council of Europe assessment of human trafficking in the UK

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:32:13 GMT

The UK has taken a number of important steps in the fight against human trafficking, according to a report published today by the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). However, more needs to be done to ensure that the overall approach is focused on the victims of trafficking and their rights as human beings. The report welcomes the fact that, despite difficult economic circumstances, government funding to support victims of human trafficking has been maintained at over £2.75 million per year across the UK. It also highlights numerous positive developments including the creation of the UK Human Trafficking Centre and a National Referral Mechanism for identifying and assisting victims, as well as the adoption of a four-year Strategy on Human Trafficking covering the period 2011-2015.

Conference of Ministers of Justice and Secretary General’s visit, report on the evaluation of European judicial systems, Vienna, 19-21 September 2012

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 06:47:36 GMT

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, will participate in an informal discussion on corruption in Vienna, on the eve of the Conference of Ministers of Justice. A press conference is scheduled at 7 pm with Beatrix Karl, Federal Minister of Justice of Austria and Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. The Ministers of Justice of the 47 Council of Europe member states will meet on 20 and 21 September to discuss how justice can handle urban violence, in particular in the case of organised groups which are using Internet-based tools and instant messaging. They will propose, in a resolution, rapid, tailored, effective responses by the judicial system to juvenile perpetrators and victims of offences. A final press conference is scheduled on Friday 21 September at 11.30 am. On the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference, the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice of the Council of Europe (CEPEJ) will present its 2012 report on the evaluation of European judicial systems.

Colloquium on the right to work for refugees

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:40:12 GMT

A joint colloquium on the right to work for refugees, organised by UNHCR and the Council of Europe, will be held in Strasbourg on 27 September 2012. The aim of this conference is to increase the awareness of the importance of the right to work for refugees in the process of integration and to assist States in defining guidelines on the proper implementation of the right to work for these persons of concern. It will target a wide audience including State and local authorities’ representatives, officials from international and European organisations, parliamentarians, NGO members, social workers, trade unions, employers as well as refugees. If you are interested in attending this event or require further information, please send us a mail.

Regional Workshop “Business and Human Rights" in Berlin

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:39:40 GMT

A workshop on business and human rights, organised by the European Group of National Human Rights Institutions, will be held in Berlin, Germany, from 5 to 7 September 2012. Mr. Riccardo Priore, Administrator in the Department of the European Social Charter and the European Code of Social Security will participate in this conference and will give a presentation on the collective complaints procedure.

MONEYVAL's first evaluation report on the Holy See

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:34:23 GMT

The first mutual evaluation report on the Holy See (including the Vatican City State) is now available for consultation. A French version will be made available shortly. The report was adopted at MONEYVAL’s 39th Plenary Meeting (Strasbourg, 2 - 6 July 2012) as a third round mutual evaluation report. According to MONEYVAL’s procedures for third round reports the Holy See should provide a progress report to MONEYVAL one year after the adoption of the mutual evaluation report i.e. at MONEYVAL’s 42nd Plenary Meeting.

4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CETS No. 198

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:32:32 GMT

On 12 to 14 June 2012, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Laundering, Search Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime, and on the Financing of Terrorism (CETS No. 198) held their fourth meeting in Strasbourg. The evaluation report on Romania was adopted. The report assesses compliance with a selected number of provisions of the convention, which add value to the international standards. This report is published today

Taking the Istanbul Convention to the Caucasus and Central Asia

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:59:06 GMT

HTML clipboardRatifying an international treaty requires political will and an in-depth understanding of the obligations it contains. Turkey is the first member state to have ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Another 20 member states have signed it, showing their political commitment to this important treaty. To build support and increase the level of knowledge on the Istanbul Convention, the Council of Europe is organising a seminar, together with UN Women and the Interagency Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence of Georgia (Batumi, Georgia, 9-10 July 2012). The seminar will bring together government representatives, parliamentarians and NGOs from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The aim of the seminar is to offer participants detailed information on the provisions of the Convention and its background, to take stock of the current situation and exchange experiences, to enter into a dialogue about the benefits and challenges of implementing the Istanbul Convention at national level, and to provide a networking platform for all stakeholders

ONE in FIVE campaign: UNICEF and the Council of Europe join forces to stop sexual violence against chilfren

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:55 GMT

HTML clipboardAccording to available estimates, about 20% of children are victims of some form of sexual violence. The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse contains a detailed catalogue of measures that governments should take to prevent sexual violence, to protect the children and to end with the impunity of the criminals.
UNICEF has therefore decided to join the Council of Europe in the promotion of these measures in Europe and Central Asia. In addition to the promotion of the necessary changes in legislation and data collection, it is foreseen to invest in the dissemination of awareness raising material so that children, their parents and professionals working with them can better prevent, identify and report sexual violence.

GRETA welcomes new EU Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:29:06 GMT

HTML clipboardAt its 14th meeting (25-29 June 2012), the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) considered the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016. The publication of the Strategy on 19 June 2012 was preceded by consultations with a series of stakeholders, including the Council of Europe. GRETA welcomes the Strategy’s comprehensive scope and focus on concrete measures aimed to step up action against trafficking in human beings. The Strategy refers to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and urges those EU Member States which have not yet done so, to ratify it. The Strategy also stresses that the judgment of the European Court on Human Rights in the case Rantsev v Cyprus and Russia (2010) provides a decisive human rights benchmark with clear obligations for EU Member States to take the necessary steps to address different areas of trafficking in human beings.

Children's rights at stake. Who cares?

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:28:15 GMT

HTML clipboardThe Council of Europe has invited leading experts to discuss how to make full use of existing Council of Europe and United Nations monitoring mechanisms for the benefit of children's rights in Europe. Representatives from a number of Council of Europe monitoring bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights, the European Committee of Social Rights and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture will discuss with experts from UN agencies, the EU and civil society how to improve children's access to the rights guaranteed by key human rights treaties

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on visit to Tilburg Prison

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:19:25 GMT

Manual on human rights and the environment

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:13:45 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee holds high-level talks in Russia

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:46:07 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Serbia

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:29:38 GMT

Relaunch of negotiations on Accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:19:01 GMT

Secretary General to address European Dialogue on Internet Governance

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:00:49 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Estonia

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:21:54 GMT

Drug use among 15-16 years old teenagers - Publication of the new ESPAD survey 2011

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:56:38 GMT

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits the Russian Federation

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:39:29 GMT

United Kingdom became the 20th member state of the Council of Europe to sign the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:24:41 GMT

New Gender Equality Commission: Kick-off meeting

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:21:54 GMT

“Women continue to earn less, decide less, and count less than men. There is one area where women count more than men: in the records of victims of violence”. Speaking at the launch of the Council of Europe new Gender Equality Commission on 6 June, Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said that all conditions were reunited for the Council of Europe to deliver important results in the field of gender equality by the end of 2013. Speaking on behalf of the Albanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Albanian Deputy Minister for Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Ms Filloreta Kodra, referred to her government’s support to a renewed Council of Europe Gender Equality Agenda focusing on the implementation of existing standards.

Committee of Ministers: decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:55:29 GMT

Octopus Conference - Co-operation against Cybercrime, 6-8 June, Strasbourg. Live webcast.

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:49:14 GMT

The HELP Network Conference

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:27:33 GMT

The European Programme for Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (the HELP programme) supports Council of Europe member states in implementing the ECHR at national level, in accordance with Interlaken and Brighton Declarations. For the first time, the 2012 HELP Conference is bringing together representatives of National Training Institutions and Bar Associations of the 47 member states.

The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) publishes report on Romania

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:43 GMT

In the report, GRETA welcomes the steps taken by the Romanian authorities to combat trafficking in human beings, including through the adoption of anti-trafficking legislation, the setting up of the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons, and the introduction of a national identification and referral mechanism for victims of trafficking.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Italy

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:12:31 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out a periodic visit to Italy from 13 to 25 May 2012. During the visit, the delegation reviewed the measures taken by the Italian authorities in response to recommendations made by the Committee after previous visits. Particular attention was paid to the treatment and fundamental safeguards applied to persons deprived of their liberty by law enforcement agencies and the conditions under which foreign nationals are held in an identification and expulsion centre. The delegation also examined in detail various issues related to prisons, including prison health care and the situation of prisoners who are subject to a maximum security regime (so-called “41-bis regime”). In addition, it also carried out visits to a judicial psychiatric hospital (OPG) and a civil psychiatric department of a general hospital where patients may be subjected to “involuntary medical treatment” (TSO). For the first time in Italy, the delegation visited a residential institution (therapeutic community centre) where forensic patients are held on an involuntary basis.

Forthcoming elections for members of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:10:41 GMT

1st Evaluation Round: GRETA visits Norway

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:07:18 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a country visit to Norway from 21 to 24 May 2012. The visit was organised in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013).

Malta signed the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210)

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:32:41 GMT

1st Evaluation Round: GRETA visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:10:34 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a country visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 14 to 18 May 2012. The visit was carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013).

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Bulgaria

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:10:05 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out an ad hoc visit to Bulgaria from 4 to 10 May 2012. The main objective of the visit was to review the current situation as regards the treatment and conditions of prisoners in establishments under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice. For this purpose, the CPT’s delegation visited Burgas and Varna Prisons.

Two complaints are registered against France

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:23:10 GMT

The case Action européenne des handicapés (AEH) v. France, Complaint No. 81/2012, concerns the problems regarding access of autistic children and adolescents to education and access of young adults with autism to vocational training. The case Comité européen d'action spécialisée pour l'Enfant et la Famille dans leur milieu de vie (EUROCEF) v. France, Complaint no. 82/2012, concerns suspension of family allowances in cases of truancy. For more information consult the Collective complaints website.

Election procedure for members of the European Committee of Social Rights

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:22:25 GMT

At the 1142nd meeting of the Ministers' Deputies held on 9 May 2012 a decision was adopted concerning the procedure of electing five members of the European Committee of Social Rights.

High-level conference on drug prevention in the workplace

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:32:13 GMT

The Pompidou Group is organising a high-level conference on "Alcohol, drugs and prevention in the workplace: what are the issues and challenges for the government, the company and the staff?" taking place on 14-15 May 2012 in Strasbourg. During this conference, a reference framework resulting from one year’s analysis of the situation will be presented as a result of the work of the Ad hoc Experts Group on the prevention of drug use at the workplace. The objective is to encourage in each member state the setting-up of a policy to prevent addictive behaviour with due regard to human rights and personal freedoms and as a lever to improve working conditions. Representatives from 19 countries and the International Labour Office, the World Health Organisation, Eurofound and the European Agency on Safety and Health will participate in the conference and adopt recommendations intended to provide guidance to all those who have responsibility for addressing alcohol- and drug-related problems at the workplace.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on France and response of the French Government

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:51:16 GMT

The Council of Europe's Committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CPT) has today published the report on its visit to France from 28 November to 10 December 2010, together with the French Government's response. These documents have been made public with the authorisation of the French authorities. In its visit report, the CPT notes a number of positive developments. Legal reforms had been adopted or initiated in several fields of considerable interest to the Committee (e.g. police custody, prison matters and psychiatric care). However, some of the CPT’s long-standing concerns had only been partly met by the action taken by the French authorities.

Launch of the ONE in FIVE Campaign in Saint Petersburg

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:50:45 GMT

The ONE in FIVE Campaign to stop sexual violence against children was succesfully launched at the Russian State Herzen Pedagogical University in Saint Petersburg by the Deputy Secretary General, Mrs Maud de Boer-Buquicchio and Mrs Svetlana Orlova, Vice President of the Russian Federation Council and President of the National Committee of Support for Motherhood and Childhood. This was the first regional event in the context of the Russian Campaign which was officially launched on 29 March in the Council of the Federation in Moscow. Mrs Orlova announced that the Russian Federation would sign the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse later this year.

New Handbooks on the European Convention on Human Rights

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:40:40 GMT

Three new handbooks have just been published by the Justice and Legal Co-operation Department for the attention of legal professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of the European Convention on Human Rights. They focus on the right to a fair trial, the right to respect for private and family life and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. These handbooks have been conceived as practical tools to support judges and prosecutors to apply the Convention at national level and assist lawyers to use Convention-based arguments in national litigation. They are based on the most updated case law of the European Court of Human Rights. The authors include an academic, a national lawyer, a human rights consultant, and a lawyer of the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Sharing common concepts for the evaluation of the functioning of judicial systems

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:40:05 GMT

At the CEPEJ's study session, devoted to the sharing of commun concepts for the evaluation of the functioning of judicial systems, 4 groups worked on the following themes: the funding of the court system, judicial and non-judicial staff, case flow management and the evaluation of the court and judge activity. This session allowed an exchange of updated practices in terms of efficiency of the functioning of European judicial systems.

Brighton High Level Conference on the Future of the European Court of Human Rights

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:32:36 GMT

The United Kingdom is organising, within the framework of the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, a high level Conference on the future of the European Court of Human Rights in Brighton on 18-20 April 2012.

Execution of Strasbourg Court judgments: considerable progress but concern about major structural problems

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:24:29 GMT

In 2011 the number of Strasbourg Court judgments found by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to have been fully executed by member states grew by almost 80% compared to 2010 (up to 816). Whilst the number of new cases remained high (1, 606), for the first time in ten years it decreased (by 6 %). The number of repetitive cases decreased by even more. The number of old cases still not fully executed after more than five years continued to grow (by 48 % from 2010 to 2011), and is a special source of concern. Most of these cases concern important structural problems.

Human rights should be protected also on search engines and in social networks

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:23:39 GMT

The Council of Europe has adopted two Recommendations in which it calls on its members states to safeguard human rights, notably freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of association and the right to private life, with regard to search engines and social networking services.

Pompidou Group - Policy paper providing guidance to policy makers

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:22:20 GMT

The Policy paper providing guidance to policy makers for developing coherent policies for licit and illicit drugs was unanimously adopted by the Pompidou Group in December 2011. It aims to offer decision makers and policy managers an overview of the basic principles, instruments and tools that will support them in developing, reviewing and implementing drug policies, strategies and action plans. It summarises key elements for coherent drug policies and effective strategies in the form of a series of guiding principles.

Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption calls on Italy to improve transparency in political party funding and to sanction corruption vigorously

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:21:06 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) identified critical shortcomings in the party funding system of Italy which must be addressed as a matter of priority. The control performed by public authorities over political funding is fragmented and formalistic, consisting of three different institutions with limited powers and no co-ordination either among themselves or with law enforcement bodies. GRECO urges political parties to develop their own internal control systems and to subject their accounts to independent audit.

Symposium on Biobanks and Biomedical Collections - An ethical framework for future research, Strasbourg, 19-20 June 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:20:32 GMT

The objective of this Symposium is to provide a basis for the re-examination of the Council of Europe Recommendation (2006)4 on research on biological materials of human origin. To that end, the Symposium will examine the developments in biobanking and research on biological materials of human origin, which have taken place since the adoption of the Recommendation and to consider their possible evolution, in order to assess the challenges they may raise with respect to the ethical and legal principles enshrined in the Recommendation.

The decision on admissibility in the case International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) v. Belgium has been adopted

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:19:17 GMT

The European Committee of Social Rights adopted a decision on admissibility with regard to the case International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) v. Belgium, (Complaint No. 75/2011) at its last session on 22 March 2012. The decision is now available on line.

Children to be seen and heard in Europe

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:19:45 GMT

The Council of Europe adopted a recommendation addressed to member states on the participation of children and young people under the age of 18 in decision-making (CM/Rec(2012)2 adopted on 28 March 2012). This ground-breaking recommendation was developed following comprehensive reviews of the reality of child participation in several member states and, for the first time in the Council’s history, with the direct involvement of children in the work of the drafting Committee. The recommendation covers the rights of children and young people to be heard in all settings, including in schools, in communities and in the family as well as at the national and European level.

The Czech Republic ratifies the Additional Protocol providing a system of collective complaints

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:19:53 GMT

Ambassador Tomáš Boček, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic, transmitted the instrument of ratification of the Additional Protocol providing for a system of collective complaints to Mrs Maud de Boer-Buquicchio Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, today. This instrument will enter into force on 1 June 2012. Czech Republic is the 15th State Party to the Charter to accept to be bound by this treaty.

GRECO’s first decade: some lessons to be learnt through eight thematic articles

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:09:37 GMT

The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) publishes today a compendium on the themes that have been dealt with over the first decade of its existence (from 2000 to 2011). GRECO has learned some key lessons from the analyses conducted on the spot, during the evaluations carried out in its member States[1], and has assembled them in a compendium which ranges from the fight against corruption within public administration to the independence of party funding monitoring, also covering revolving doors/pantouflage and the protection of whistleblowers, just to cite a few titles. This compendium is intended for any reader wishing to widen his / her knowledge relating to the fight against corruption and to the safeguarding of public integrity, be it for personal reasons or in the framework of his / her professional or civic activities.

The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) publishes report on the Republic of Moldova

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:29:34 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report on the Republic of Moldova. In the report, GRETA notes the steps taken by the Moldovan authorities to combat trafficking in human beings, through the adoption of specific anti-trafficking legislation and putting into place a National Referral System for Assistance and Protection of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking.

1st Evaluation Round: Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) visits Latvia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:30:09 GMT

A delegation of the GRETA carried out a country visit to Latvia from 14 to 17 February 2012. The visit was carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013).

1st Evaluation Round: Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) visits Portugal

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:29:27 GMT

A delegation of the GRETA carried out a country visit to Portugal from 13 to 17 February 2012. The visit was carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013).

Council of Europe proposes four-year plan for children’s rights

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:08:06 GMT

The Council of Europe adopted a new strategy to implement fundamental standards to protect and promote children’s rights. The strategy will provide guidance and support to the 47 member states on how best to bridge gaps between standards and practice, with special attention focused on promoting child-friendly services and systems, eliminating all forms of violence against children, guaranteeing the rights of children in vulnerable situations, and promoting child participation.

Call for applications for the European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize for innovative practices contributing to the efficiency and quality of civil justice

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:30:45 GMT

In 2012, the Council of Europe together with the European Commission is organising the 6th edition of the "Crystal Scales of Justice" Prize. The aim of the prize is to identify and promote innovative practices in civil justice, aimed to improve the efficiency and quality of the functioning of the justice system, procedures, and court organisation.

Call for events - European Day of civil Justice – 2012

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:30:11 GMT

On the initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, the European Day of civil Justice is celebrated every year on 25 October. Judicial institutions of the Council of Europe's members States are invited to actively participate in the celebration of this day, by organising events for a wide public (in particular youth) and judicial professionals. The programmes of the various events are published as soon as they are transmitted to the CEPEJ Secretariat. Judicial institutions of the member States are requested to inform Annette.Sattel@coe.int about their programme.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Slovenia

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:09:06 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out a periodic visit to Slovenia from 31 January to 6 February 2012. This was the CPT’s fourth visit to that country. During the visit, the CPT’s delegation assessed progress made since previous visits and in particular the extent to which the Committee’s recommendations have been implemented in the areas of police custody, imprisonment and involuntary placement in psychiatric establishments.

Study on Council of Europe Member States on Appeal and Supreme Courts' Lengths of Proceedings

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:14:42 GMT

Optimisation and foreseeability of lengths of judicial proceedings in Europe is one of the CEPEJ and Council of Europe's priorities, as it is reminded in the report drawn up by Marco Velicogna (Research Institute on Judicial Systems, Bologna, Italy). On the basis of the information collected by the CEPEJ during the 2008-2010 evaluation cycle of European judicial systems, this study analyses in depth lengths of proceedings in second instance (appeal) and at Supreme Court's level and completes, by the way, the 2010 Edition of the report on European Judicial systems.

Restrictions imposed on the activity of strike pickets constitute a violation of the Charter in Belgium

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:14:00 GMT

In its decision on the merits with regard to the case European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Centrale Générale des Syndicats Libéraux de Belgique (CGSLB), Confédération des Syndicats chrétiens de Belgique (CSC) and Fédération Générale du Travail de Belgique (FGTB) v. Belgium, No. 59/2009, which became public today, the European Committee rules that Belgium is not in conformity with Article 6§4 (right to strike) of the Revised Charter

Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) publishes report on Georgia

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:13:05 GMT

GRETA has published today its first evaluation report on Georgia. In the report, GRETA notes the progress made by the Georgian authorities in combating trafficking in human beings, including through the adoption of a specific anti-trafficking law, the setting up of the Interagency Co-ordination Council against trafficking in human beings and a State Fund for the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking, as well as increasing the budgetary allocation for victim support.

Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption calls on the USA to ratify the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:41:44 GMT

The GRECO calls for the United States of America to ratify the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption and to fully incorporate it into the law. GRECO stresses that the United States is one of the very few member states which are not a party to the Convention and its Additional Protocol. Although the US legislation and practice provide for a high degree of “functional” consistency with the Convention and the enforcement regime is effective in prosecuting corruption offences...

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Moldova

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:48:49 GMT

The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) published today the report on its last visit to Moldova in June 2011. It has been made public following the request by the Moldovan Government that visit reports and responses be published automatically. In its report, the CPT notes that a significant proportion of detained persons interviewed by its delegation complained of police ill-treatment during the months preceding the visit. Consequently, the Committee recommends that the Moldovan authorities continue to implement anti-torture measures with determination. The Committee also recommends reinforcing the mechanisms for the investigation of alleged ill-treatment.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Greece and response of the Greek Government

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:48:06 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published today the report on its ad hoc visit to Greece in January 2011, together with the response of the Greek Government. The 2011 ad hoc visit was carried out to assess the concrete steps taken by the Greek authorities to implement long-standing recommendations made by the CPT, in particular those contained in the reports on the Committee’s visits of September 2005, February 2007, September 2008 and September 2009.

A guide for courts wishing to implement SATURN judicial time management tools

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:38:49 GMT

This guide is intended to courts and legal professionals wishing to concretely implement the tools developed by the CEPEJ to improve judicial time management and optimize by the way the delays and the foreseeability of judicial procedures.

Study on Council of Europe Member States on Appeal and Supreme Courts' Lengths of Proceedings

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:37:12 GMT

On the basis of the information collected by the CEPEJ during the 2008-2010 evaluation cycle of European judicial systems, this study analyses in depth lengths of proceedings in second instance (appeal) and at Supreme Court level and completes, by the way, the 2010 Edition of the report on European Judicial systems.

International documents for independent and efficient judiciary in Macedonian

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:39:20 GMT

The Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia published Editions I and II containing international documents for independent and efficient judiciary in Macedonian. These books contain the Opinions of the CCJE, completed by 63 other selected relevant international documents which guarantee the independence and efficiency of the judiciary adopted by different bodies of the Council of Europe (especially European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ)) and by the United Nations.

MONEYVAL's role in the global AML/CFT network

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:51:51 GMT

The Financial Action Task Force’s President Giancarlo del Bufalo highlighted the important role that MONEYVAL plays in the global AML/CFT network as one of the senior, and consistently well-performing FATF associated member during his speech before the MONEYVAL delegations at the 37th Plenary meeting. He congratulated MONEYVAL for its work and positively noted in particular the strong action taken when implementation shortcomings are identified in its members.

GRETA publishes report on Denmark

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:03:22 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report on Denmark. In its report, GRETA notes the important steps taken by the Danish authorities to combat trafficking in human beings, including the setting up of the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking, the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Human Trafficking, and the adoption of multiannual national anti-trafficking action plans, the latest covering the period 2011-2014.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Armenia

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:52:52 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out an ad hoc visit to Armenia from 5 to 7 December 2011. The purpose of the visit was to review progress made in the light of the recommendations contained in the report on the CPT’s visit to Armenia in 2010, in particular as regards the treatment of prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment. The CPT’s delegation visited Yerevan-Kentron Prison and carried out a targeted visit to the unit for lifers and the disciplinary unit of Nubarashen Prison.

GRECO bids farewell to its President - Drago KOS - and elects a new President, Vice-President and Bureau

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:52:20 GMT

Drago KOS (Slovenia), GRECO’s President since 2002, left this important function on the day of election of a new President, Vice-President and Bureau at GRECO’s 53rd plenary meeting (5-9 December). Mr Kos’ outstanding services to the Council of Europe and GRECO were honoured with the Organisation’s Pro Merito Medal presented to him by Deputy Secretary General Maud DE BOER-BUQUICCHIO.

GRETA publishes report on Bulgaria

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:51:51 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report on Bulgaria. In its report, GRETA welcomes the important steps taken by the Bulgarian authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. These measures have included the adoption of a specific law to address human trafficking, increased penalties for trafficking offenses, and criminalisation of the use of services of victims of trafficking.

Publication of the proceedings of Colloquium on the Role of Regional Human Rights Courts in Interpreting and Enforcing Legal Standards for the Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:51:11 GMT

This Joint Council of Europe/UNHCR Colloquium brought together governmental and non-governmental experts from the field of human rights and refugee protection in order to discuss on the important instruments for the protection of forcibly displaced persons and the role courts and commissions play in interpreting and enforcing legal protection norms and standards. The Colloquium allowed the participants to inform each other on the workings of their respective systems, share relevant case law and experiences and discuss key challenges faced by these courts and commissions in protecting the rights of forcibly displaced persons.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Ukraine

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:22:54 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out an ad hoc visit to Ukraine from 29 November to 6 December 2011. The main objective of the visit was to review progress made regarding the treatment and conditions of detention of persons deprived of their liberty by law enforcement agencies. For this purpose, the delegation visited the pre-trial establishments (SIZOs) in Kyiv and Kharkiv and various police establishments.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee announces visits to ten states in 2012 to monitor the situation of persons deprived of their liberty

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:22:22 GMT

In 2012, as part of its programme of periodic visits, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) intends to examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the following ten countries: Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Monaco, Portugal, Russian Federation, Slovenia and United Kingdom.

Member states must apply the provisions of the Opinion on the relationship between prosecutors and prison administration

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:08:39 GMT

During its 6th plenary meeting (Strasbourg, 24-25 November 2011), the CCPE adopted an Opinion on the relationship between prosecutors and prison administration. An analysis of the situation in different member states, previously carried out by the working group, revealed a variety of systems in this field. Some member states do not acknowledge public prosecutors’ competence in this matter. The Opinion invites European public prosecutors to ensure the implementation of the European prison rules contained in Recommendation Rec(2006)2 of the Council of Europe, and in particular to ensure that detainees serve their prison sentence in conditions strictly laid down by the law, that they are treated appropriately, that they have dignified living conditions and that they are duly guided during their detention in order to facilitate their reintegration.

The new Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) website is online

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:32:11 GMT

The new HELP website is now available on-line. The site is the heart of the European Programme for Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals, funded by the Human Rights Trust Fund. The programme aims to fully integrate the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into the curricula of national training institutions for judges and prosecutors (NTI) and of all legal professionals in the member states of the Council of Europe. (more)

GRETA publishes report on Albania

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:31:49 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report on Albania. In its report, GRETA notes the significant measures taken by the Albanian authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. These measures have included the setting up the Office of the National Co-ordinator for the fight against trafficking and the establishment of a national referral mechanism for the identification of and assistance to victims of trafficking. (More)

GRETA publishes report on Croatia

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:42 GMT

Today the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its first evaluation report on Croatia. In its report, GRETA welcomes the measures taken by the Croatian authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. These measures have included the appointment of a National Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the establishment of a National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, which brings together all relevant actors, including non-governmental organisations. Furthermore, multi-disciplinary mobile teams have been set up to assist victims of trafficking as well as to participate in their identification. (More)

MONEYVAL: On-site visit to the Holy See (including Vatican City State)

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:42:37 GMT

A MONEYVAL team of evaluators visited the Holy See (including Vatican City State) from 21 to 26 November 2011 under the third evaluation round. During the visit, which was co-ordinated by the Financial Information Authority (FIA), the evaluation team was greeted by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The evaluation team was welcomed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. The evaluation team had meetings with the President of the Financial Intelligence Authority, His Eminence Cardinal Attilio Nicora, members of the FIA Steering Committee and the Director and staff of the FIA.

Plenary meeting of the Consultative Council of European Prosecutors (CCPE)

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:41:27 GMT

The 6th plenary meeting of the CCPE will hold in Strasbourg on 24 and 25 November 2011. The main task of members of this Council during this meeting will be to discuss and to adopt for the attention of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe an Opinion on the relationship between prosecutors and the prison administration.

Evaluation of the maltese judicial system by CEPEJ experts

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:40:49 GMT

A CEPEJ delegation visited Malta to meet the highest representatives in the country in the field of justice and to discuss the implementation of CEPEJ's recommendations with public stakeholders and legal professionals in order to improve the functioning and the efficiency of the maltese judicial system. The delegation had in particular an exchange of views with the Ministry of Justice, M. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, on 23 November 2011.

The 9th CEPEJ Newsletter has been published

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:40:05 GMT

The 9th CEPEJ Newsletter is dedicated to measuring the quality of justice: the ascertainment of users’ expectations. The first experiences of the courts having led satisfaction surveys (France, the Netherlands and Italy) are described in the Newsletter. You can subscribe free of charge.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits Montenegro

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:15:15 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a country visit to Montenegro from 14 to 18 November 2011. The visit was carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2010-2013).

The CCJE adopts its Opinion on Justice and information technologies

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:14:25 GMT

This opinion is based on opportunities offered by information technologies in the framework of the courts as well as their impact on the judicial system and process. According to this Opinion, information technologies (IT) must be a means for legal professionnals and citizens, serving to improve justice management and to reinforce the guarantees of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. IT should also allow for the enforcement of the independence of judges at all stages of the procedure and not to challenge this.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee: solitary confinement in prisons should be minimised

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:49:20 GMT

In its annual report, which was published today, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) urges States to minimise the use of solitary confinement of prisoners. This measure should be applied only in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible period of time. “Solitary confinement can have an extremely damaging effect on the physical, mental and social health of prisoners, and that damage is likely to increase the longer the measure lasts and the more indeterminate it is. An indicator is that the suicide rate of prisoners under this regime is higher than that among the rest of the prison population. This practice raises serious issues with regard to the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment”, said Lətif Hüseynov, President of the CPT.

The European Committee of Social Rights delivers a decision on the inadequate housing conditions of Roma in Portugal

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:48:48 GMT

In its decision on the merits in the case European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) v. Portugal, Complaint no. 61/2010, the European Committee of Social Rights unanimously concluded that the Portuguese government is in violation of Articles 16 (the right of the family to social, legal and economic protection), 30 (right to protection against poverty and social exclusion) and 31§1 (provision of adequate housing), read alone or in conjunction with Article E (non discrimination) of the Revised Charter. (more)

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits the United Kingdom

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:24:58 GMT

During the visit, the GRETA delegation held consultations in London with officials from the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Education, the UK Border Agency, the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the Local Safeguarding Children Board, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Plenary meeting of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE)

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:24:28 GMT

The 12th CCJE plenary meeting will take place in Strasbourg from 7 to 9 November 2011. During this meeting, an opinion (No. 14) on justice and information technologies should be adopted and submitted to the Committee of Ministers for approval. A synthesis listing the various infringements against judges in Europe should also be adopted, compiling the numerous requests for specific assistance of the member States concerning judges.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Switzerland

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:47:13 GMT

The CPT’s delegation reviewed the steps taken by the Swiss authorities following the recommendations made by the Committee after previous visits. In particular, the delegation re-examined the implementation of fundamental safeguards against police ill-treatment following the entry into force of the unified Code of Criminal Procedure. In the area of prisons, particular attention was paid to the situation of inmates suffering from psychiatric disorders and persons subject to preventive detention (“Verwahrung”) or to institutional therapeutic measures (“stationäre therapeutische Massnahmen”). In this context, the delegation also visited a forensic psychiatric clinic.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits the Netherlands

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:46:41 GMT

During the visit, the CPT’s delegation reviewed the situation of persons subjected to a TBS measure (i.e. a measure providing for involuntary psychiatric treatment in a special hospital) as well as the treatment of irregular migrants held in detention centres for aliens. It also examined for the first time the situation of the so-called “VRIS” prisoners (sentenced foreigners awaiting deportation) and the expulsion procedures in place. The delegation also reviewed the treatment of persons in police custody, including the safeguards applicable to them.

International conference of data protection and privacy commissioners, Mexico, 2-3 November 2011

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:43:48 GMT

The Council of Europe will be pushing for global recognition of its Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (ETS n° 108) as the only practicable and ready-made option for global privacy standards.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits Armenia

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:41:08 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a country visit to Armenia from 17-20 October 2011, in order to prepare its first monitoring report on the fight against human trafficking in this country. This was the 11th country visit carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

[7 November 2011 - deadline] Secondment of two officials to MONEYVAL: call for candidates

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:14:49 GMT

The Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law is currently looking for two officials to be seconded for a minimum period of one year, commencing as of 1 January 2012. The seconded officials will provide expert assistance to the Directorate of Information Society and Action against Crime in the implementation of the MONEYVAL mutual evaluation programme, which supports States in fulfilling their commitments in accordance with international legal, financial and law enforcement standards on money laundering and terrorist financing and in compliance with Council of Europe conventions, regulations, standards and values.

Cyprus has accepted 9 additional provisions of the Revised Charter

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:38:53 GMT

During his speech delivered on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter, Mr Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, expressed his satisfaction at Cyprus' acceptance to be bound by nine new provisions of the European Social Charter Revised. He hopes that other States will follow the example of Cyprus who ratified the Revised Charter on 27 September 2000 and the Additional Protocol providing for a system of collective complaints on 6 August 1996.

18 October: European Anti-Trafficking Day: A human being cannot be merchandise - Europe must be the guarantor of this rule of civilised society

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:05:53 GMT

In Madrid today to attend the international seminar "Combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation", organised by the IOM and the Spanish government to mark the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings, Mr Nicolas Le Coz, President of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), declared: "A human being cannot be merchandise and Europe must be the guarantor of this rule of civilised society."

Overall view of events relating to the 50th anniversary of the Charter, 17-21 october 2011

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:03:05 GMT

17 October: Round Table "Human rights in the context of economic crisis, organised by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg | Programme 17-21 October: Exhibition on the European Social Charter, Ministère de la Santé et des Solidarités (Ministry for Health and Solidarity), Paris 18 October: Presentation of communication tools 18 October: Round Table on the ratification of the collective complaints procedure, organised by the European Social Charter | Programme 18 October: Official ceremony | Ceremonie

Declaration of the Committee of Ministers reaffirms the paramount role of the Charter

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:37 GMT

In a declaration adopted on 12 October 2011 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter, the Committee of Ministers underlines the particular relevance of social rights and their guarantee in times of economic difficulties , encouraging States Parties to bring their domestic situations into conformity with the Charter.

International High Level Conference "Countering the spread of counterfeit medical products", Moscow, 26-28 October 2011

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:04 GMT

The aim of the conference is to advance significantly the pressing fight against counterfeit medical products and similar crimes at the international level by opening the Medicrime Convention for signature, facilitating its rapid entry into force and effective implementation in Europe and beyond, making the fight against counterfeiting of medical products and similar crimes a priority on the political agenda.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Kosovo

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:45:06 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) today published a report on its most recent visit to Kosovo (8 to 15 June 2010), together with the response of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Both documents have been made public at the request of UNMIK.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Malta

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:44:40 GMT

The main objective of the visit was to examine the current situation in the prison system, having regard to the recommendations made by the Committee after its 2008 visit to Malta. For this purpose, the CPT’s delegation visited Corradino Correctional Facility. Conditions in the detention centres for immigrants at Lyster and Safi Barracks were also reviewed, and the delegation paid a brief visit to Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital, in order to interview patients in the forensic ward and the ward for immigration detainees.

“Working together to promote the social reintegration of prisoners”

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:39:01 GMT

The 16th Conference of Directors of Prison Administration (CDAP) with the participation of Directors of Probation Services will be held on 13-14 October 2011 in the Council of Europe. The Directors General of the Prison Administration, or their high ranking representatives, as well as the Directors of Probation Services, or their high ranking representatives in the Council of Europe member and observer States, are invited to participate in this Conference.

Accession to the European Convention on Extradition and the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:36:33 GMT

Korea acceded to the European Convention on Extradition and its Additional Protocols (ETS Nos. 24, 86 and 98), and to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and its Additional Protocol (ETS Nos. 30 and 99).

Strengthening social rights: France, Council of Europe and EU announce initiative

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:22:08 GMT

In order to maintain and strengthen the social rights of European citizens, the Council of Europe, the EU's European Economic and Social Committee and France's Economic, Social and Environmental Council have decided to jointly hold an annual conference with three main tasks.

Exchange of views at the Committee of Ministers

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:21:29 GMT

The CEPEJ Vice-President, Georg Stawa, presented the 2010 CEPEJ activity report to the Committee of Ministers. He has underlined working prospects for the coming months. The Committee of Ministers widely congratulated the CEPEJ for its works which are oriented towards concrete results in the fields of independence and efficiency of justice.

Seminar in Kyiv (Ukraine) to mark the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:20:15 GMT

A meeting on non-accepted provisions of the Revised Charter by Ukraine providing an occasion to mark the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter is being held place at the Ministry for Labour and Social Policy, Kyiv, from 29 to 30 September 2011. Mr Luis Jimena-Quesada, President of the European Committee of Social Rights and Mr Andrzej Swiatkowski, member of the Committee, are attending this event, as well as Mr Henrik Kristensen, Deputy head of the Department of the European Social Charter and Ms Nino Chitashvili, administrator.

Council of Europe calls for state cooperation to respond to disruptions to the Internet

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:02:46 GMT

The Committee of Ministers has adopted on 23 September two recommendations and two declarations that call on states to uphold free speech online, including when it is threatened by disruptions or interferences to the Internet. In a Recommendation on the protection and promotion of the universality, integrity and openness of the Internetthe Committee laid out a framework of co-operation for member states with a view to preserve a global, stable and open Internet as a means of safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information. The Council of Europe will present these documents for discussion with other Internet stakeholders at the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (Nairobi, 27-30 September).

"The prevention of human rights violations demands constant commitment and concrete action"

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:02:16 GMT

This was how Philippe Boillat, Director General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, concluded the conference on this theme organised by the Minister for Justice of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lavrynovych, within the framework of the Ukrainian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. "The prevention of human rights violations is the Council of Europe’s raison d’être and the goal assigned to it by the member states." Mr Boillat stressed that this goal requires all stakeholders, and especially parliaments, governments and the courts, to shoulder their responsibilities, enforce the international instruments for the protection of human rights and resolutely carry out any necessary reforms.

European Social Charter: Conference organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:26:42 GMT

A joint conference entitled "The Council of Europe's Social Charter 50 years on: What next?" will be taking place on 23 September 2011 in Paris. This conference is organised in co-operation with the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of France (ESEC) and the EESC and is one of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter.

Protection of national minorities: receipt of the third cycle State Report of Lithuania

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:26:11 GMT

Lithuania submitted on 21 September 2011 its third state report in English, pursuant to Article 25, paragraph 2, of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. It is now up to the Advisory Committee to consider it and adopt an opinion intended for the Committee of Ministers.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Latvia

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:07:02 GMT

A delegation of the CPT carried out a periodic visit to Latvia from 5 to 15 September 2011. The CPT’s delegation reviewed the measures taken by the Latvian authorities following the recommendations made by the Committee after previous visits to the country. In this connection, particular attention was paid to the safeguards against ill-treatment offered to persons deprived of their liberty by the police as well as to conditions of detention in police stations.

Seminar on the European Social Charter in Moscow

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:06:28 GMT

A seminar will be held in Moscow on 20 September to provide assistance in the drafting of the first and second reports on the application of the Revised European Social Charter by the Russian Federation and to train government officials.

ECRI launches guidelines for governments to combat anti-Gypsyism

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:04:39 GMT

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) issued guidelines – contained in its thirteenth General Policy Recommendation – to the Council of Europe’s 47 member States to fight a rising tide of anti-Gypsyism and discrimination against Roma.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body publishes report on the Slovak Republic

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:03:49 GMT

Today the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its first evaluation report on the Slovak Republic. In its report, GRETA notes the efforts of the Slovak authorities to combat trafficking in human beings.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body publishes report on Austria

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:44:23 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report on Austria. In its report, GRETA notes the significant measures taken by the Austrian authorities to combat trafficking in human beings. These measures have included the setting up of a co-ordinating body to combat trafficking in human beings and efforts to raise public awareness and train professionals.

Council of Europe Anti-Racism Commission to prepare report on Sweden

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:43:54 GMT

A delegation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Sweden from 5 to 9 September 2011 as the first step in the preparation of a monitoring report. During its visit, ECRI´s delegation gathered information on the implementation of the recommendations it made to the authorities in its previous report in 2005 and discussed new issues that have emerged since.

New ECRI report on Lithuania

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:43:27 GMT

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published its fourth report on Lithuania. ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, said that, while there are positive developments, some issues of concern remain, such as the continuing absence of a law on national minorities and the situation of the Roma.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body publishes report on Cyprus

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:42:40 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its first evaluation report, concerning Cyprus. In its report, GRETA takes stock of the measures taken by Cyprus to implement the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and makes proposals concerning the way in which the Cypriot authorities may deal with the problems identified.

50th anniversary commemorative stamps for the European Social Charter (Council of Europe)

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:15:46 GMT

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter, the French Post Office is issuing two Council of Europe stamps. These stamps will be on sale at the Post Office in the Palais de l'Europe as of 9 September 2011. The stamps can be also ordered on-line via the website "La Boutique en ligne" of the French Post.

Training of trainers: for a fair media coverage of the election campaign in Tunisia (6-9 September 2011)

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:14:57 GMT

In view of the elections on 23 October 2011 of a Constituent Assembly which will draft the new constitution of Tunisia, the Commission and the Media Section of the Council of Europe is holding a session of "Training of Trainers" on the topic : "A fair and balanced Media Coverage of Elections". This session is followed by visits and meetings with French and German Media as well as with the Secretary General and other representatives of the Council of Europe and of the local authorities.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee holds talks in Russia

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:14:17 GMT

Representatives of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) held talks last week in Russia with the federal authorities. The discussions were focused on the findings made by the CPT during its April-May 2011 visit to the North Caucasian region, in particular concerning the activities of law enforcement agencies and investigations into possible ill-treatment by members of those agencies.

Council of Europe's anti-trafficking monitoring body publishes its 1st General Report

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:25:46 GMT

In its 1st General Report, published today, the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) takes stock of the first two and a half years of its existence and reflects on the challenges that lie ahead.

The European Social Charter has a new visual identity

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:25:02 GMT

The graphic design of the European Social Charter has been created by the Italian artist Luca Rimini. It illustrates three faces which unite to form a hand, as a symbol of unity, solidarity and cooperation. The hand may also be seen as offering protection and as being a vector of control. This reflects what the Charter is about and what the European Committee of Social Rights is seeking to achieve – the implementation of human social rights through the efforts of the States Parties to this instrument, and subject to compliance within a legal framework monitored by an independent body of a judicial nature.

Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) publishes report on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:19:24 GMT

Publishing its Third Round Evaluation Report, the GRECO has called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to take determined steps to enforce criminal legislation and become more efficient in convicting corruption offenders. GRECO also calls for more transparency and accountability in the funding of political parties and election campaigns.

1st Regional Conference with Russian Public Monitoring Committees (PMCs) of places of detention, Perm, 28-29 July 2011

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:49:11 GMT

The Conference will bring together around a hundred participants, including members of the PMCs from two Federal Districts (Volga and Ural), the Federal Ombudsman, regional Ombudsmen, the relevant representative of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, representatives of the Federal Penitentiary Services (FSIN) as well as international and foreign experts in the field of torture prevention.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee (CPT) publishes report on Latvia

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:27:07 GMT

The CPT has published today the report on its most recent visit to Latvia, which took place from 3 to 8 December 2009, together with the response of the Latvian Government. Both documents have been made public at the request of the Latvian authorities. The main objective of the visit was to review progress made as regards the treatment and conditions of detention of prisoners, in the light of the recommendations made by the Committee after the 2007 visit to Latvia. To that end, the CPT’s delegation re-visited Jēkabpils Prison and the units for life-sentenced prisoners at Daugavgrīvas and Jelgava Prisons.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee (CPT) publishes report on Poland

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:26:32 GMT

The CPT has published today the report on its fourth periodic visit to Poland in November/December 2009, together with the response of the Polish authorities. These documents have been made public at the request of the Polish authorities. During the visit, the CPT's delegation received a number of allegations of excessive use of force by the police at the time of apprehension, as well as of physical ill-treatment and verbal abuse, including of juveniles, during questioning.

Publication of the 1st Assessment of the Conference of the Parties to CETS n°198 on Albania

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:25:27 GMT

The 1st Assessment Report of the Conference of the Parties to Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (CETS n°198) is now available for consultation.

Celebration of the 10th anniversary of Recommendation (2000)19

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:36:37 GMT

As part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Recommendation (2000)19, the Italian High Council for the Judiciary is organising a Study seminar on the statute and actions of the public prosecution service on 6 and 7 July in Rome. The seminar will be followed by a round table entitled "Recommendation 19 of the year 2000: 10 years after its approval: topics and perspectives. The Italian judiciary and judicial system at the time of reforms." The members of the CCPE working group entrusted with drawing up Opinion No. 6 on the relationships between prosecutors and prison administration will participate in these two events.

Public policy makers must be guided by the evaluation report of European judicial systems

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:35:54 GMT

The Secretary of the CEPEJ, Stéphane Leyenberger, summarised in a recent interview the main objectives of the CEPEJ evaluation report of European Judicial systems, an important tool making it possible to guide the necessary reforms of the judicial systems. The report also identifies trends and developments of judicial systems in Europe, together with the conditions in which it is possible to compare data from several member States.

10th meeting Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:55:08 GMT

The GRETA held its 10th meeting from 21 to 24 June 2011 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. GRETA adopted its final evaluation reports on Austria, Cyprus and the Slovak Republic as amended in the light of the comments received from the respective authorities. These three reports will now be transmitted to the national authorities concerned, which will be asked to submit their final comments within one month. At the expiry of this time-limit GRETA’s reports, together with any comments received from the authorities, will be made public.

Plenary meeting of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ)

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:54:51 GMT

The CEPEJ’s 17th plenary meeting takes place in Strasbourg on 28 and 29 June 2011. The CEPEJ should approve a Study on “contractualisation of the judicial process” and launch training programmes for the courts, for the organisation of court user satisfaction surveys, and for the implementation of the SATURN Guidelines for judicial time management. The CEPEJ will also meet the national correspondents entrusted with collecting judicial data in the member states, with a view to the preparation of the next evaluation report of judicial systems, scheduled for autumn 2012.

Group of States against Corruption publishes report on Andorra

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:23:35 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) today published its Third Round Evaluation Report on Andorra, in which it finds that further amendments to the Criminal Code are necessary to comply with Council of Europe standards. GRECO also calls for considerable changes to the legislation on political financing.

Forum of social workers on the modernisation of social services in Khabarovsk (Russia), 21-22 June 2011

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:31:08 GMT

This forum entitled "Modernising social services will help us to improve the quality of life" will be devoted to colloboration between the government and public organisations with the goal of modernising social services. An analysis of relevant texts of the Social Charter will form a basis for this exchange of views and experiences. Mr Régis Brillat, Head of the Department of the European Social Charter will participate in this event.

Seminar on the provisions of the Revised Social Charter which have not been accepted by Lithuania, 21 June 2011

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:46 GMT

This seminar will provide the occasion for an exchange of views and information on these provisions, as well as a ceremony in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Social Charter and the 10th anniversary of its ratification by Lithuania. Ms Csilla Kollonay Lehoczky, member of the European Committee of Social Rights and Ms Rovena Demiraj will be present at this event.

Austria has ratified the Revised European Social Charter

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:12 GMT

The Permanent Representative of Austria to the Council of Europe transmitted the instruments of ratification to the Secretary General on 20 May 2011, making Austria the 31st State to ratify the Revised Charter. (Entry into force: 1 July 2011). To date 43 States have ratified either the Revised Charter or the 1961 Charter (31 ratifications of the Revised Charter and 12 ratifications of the 1961 Charter).

Regional network of press councils established

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:14:55 GMT

Representatives of media self-regulatory bodies from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, the Russian Federation and Ukraine agreed to create an informal regional network. This new platform for co-operation and exchange of experience will aim at raising the profile and the effectiveness of self-regulation. The agreement was reached in Chişinău at a Regional meeting organised on 9 and 10 June 2011 by the Council of Europe and the Press Council of Moldova with funding from the European Union.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Spain

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:13:48 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) recently carried out a two-week visit to Spain. The visit, which began on 31 May 2011, was the CPT’s sixth periodic visit to that country. During the visit, the CPT’s delegation reviewed the treatment of persons detained by various police services (including the Policia Nacional, the Guardia Civil, the Ertzaintza and the Mossos d’Esquadra). Particular attention was given to the application in practice of safeguards against ill-treatment and the situation of persons held in “incommunicado” detention.

MONEYVAL publishes report on the 4th assessment visit of the Czech Republic

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:12:29 GMT

The mutual evaluation report on the 4th assessment visit of the Czech Republic, as adopted at MONEYVAL's 35th plenary meeting, is now available for consultation.

New Annual Report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI): Racism may be here to stay if Governments do not act

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:16:26 GMT

The ECRI released today its latest annual report, which examines the main trends in 2010 in the field of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Europe. ECRI's Chair, Nils Muiznieks, said that "ECRI's investigations in all European countries are showing a worrying pattern of rising racism. Governments need to be aware of the threat, work to strengthen laws and institutions against discrimination and give a clear message that xenophobia can never be tolerated in modern society".

Colloquium "Protection of refugees by regional Human Rights courts" : 15-16 June 2011 in Strasbourg

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:25:40 GMT

The event will bring together for the first time three regional supranational human rights courts and/or commissions: The European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court and Commission of Human Rights and the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Committee of Ministers : decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:25:39 GMT

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe published today the decisions and resolutions adopted at its second special human rights meeting for 2011 (1115th HR meeting, 07-08 June 2011). More information on the execution process and on the state of execution in cases pending for supervision as well as important reference texts (including the new working methods) can be found on the website of the Committee of Ministers, on the special website of the Department for the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and in the Committee of Ministers’ Annual Reports on its execution supervision.

The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice is launching the 2010-2012 cycle for the evaluation of judicial systems

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:44:10 GMT

The evaluation scheme serving to collect data in view of drawing up the next evaluation report of European judicial systems has been published. The new 2010-2012 evaluation cycle, will process data from 2010. The national correspondents entrusted with collecting and ensuring conformity of data at national level, have until 31 December 2011 to complete the scheme. A meeting will be organised with them on 28 and 29 June 2011.

European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) : new reports on Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia

Tue, 31 May 2011 16:02:49 GMT

ECRI publishes today three new reports on the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia. ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, welcomed positive developments in all three countries, but said that there are still issues of concern.

European conference on Internet Governance in Belgrade

Tue, 31 May 2011 16:02:16 GMT

The fourth European Dialogue on Internet Governance - EuroDIG 2011 - takes place on 30 and 31 May in Belgrade, following the editions in Strasbourg, Geneva and Madrid. Over 400 participants from Europe are expected to participate in the meeting, including ministries of European countries, the Council of Europe, regulatory agencies, and Internet companies. In her welcome message the Deputy Secretary General, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, stressed that internet governance was "first and foremost about ensuring a maximum of rights, a minimum of restrictions and a level of security and dignity for Internet users".

European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ): call for applications – expert statistician

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:34:48 GMT

CEPEJ is looking to recruit, under a consultant contract for 9 months (January to September 2012), an expert statistician. This expert, specialised in collecting, processing and analysing statistical data, will participate in the preparation of the report on the evaluation of judicial systems of the 47 member states of the Organisation (2010-2012 cycle), which is to be published in Autumn 2012. Applications, in English or French, with CV and covering letter giving reasons for applying, should be sent to Stéphane Leyenberger; Secretary of CEPEJ, before 1 September 2011.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Lithuania

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:52:18 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published today the report on its most recent visit to Lithuania, which took place from 14 to 18 June 2010, together with the response of the Lithuanian Government. Both documents have been made public at the request of the Lithuanian authorities. One of the main objectives of the visit was to examine the measures taken by the Lithuanian authorities to implement the recommendations made by the CPT after its 2008 visit to Kaunas Juvenile Remand Prison.

Seminar for national independent authorities combating discrimination in employment

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:51:49 GMT

On 26 and 27 May 2011, in Strasbourg, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) will organise a Seminar for national independent authorities combating discrimination in employment. The aim of the seminar is to explore the latest legislative developments at national and European level and the gaps in the relevant standard-setting framework, to identify any problems in implementing the corresponding standards and to allow national Specialised Bodies to share their relevant experience.

Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM): third cycle State Report for Romania received

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:50:26 GMT

Romania submitted its third state report, due on 1 February 2009, pursuant to Article 25, paragraph 1, of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. It is now up to the Advisory Committee to consider it and adopt an opinion to be submitted to the Committee of Ministers.

Venice Commission visits Hungary to prepare opinion on new constitution

Wed, 18 May 2011 09:09:55 GMT

The Venice Commission delegation is to meet representatives of the authorities, the various political parties and civil society in Budapest, on 17-18 May, to discuss the country’s new constitution adopted on 18 April 2011. In March, at the request of the Hungarian government, the Venice Commission already adopted an opinion on three legal questions in relation to drafting of the constitution.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits Moldova

Wed, 18 May 2011 09:09:09 GMT

This was the ninth country visit carried out in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. This round was launched in February 2010 when GRETA addressed a questionnaire to the first 10 Parties to the Convention: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and the Slovak Republic.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee returns to the North Caucasian region of the Russian Federation

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:17 GMT

In the course of the visit, the delegation examined the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty by law enforcement agencies in the Republic of Dagestan, the Chechen Republic and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. In this context, the carrying out of investigations vis-à-vis allegations or information indicative of ill-treatment of detained persons by law enforcement officials was discussed with the relevant authorities in the region. The delegation also reviewed conditions of detention in the main pre-trial establishments (SIZOs) in each of the three Republics.

New convention to prevent and combat violence against women

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:01:07 GMT

The new Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was opened for signature in Istanbul at the 121st session of the Committee of Ministers. This new treaty is the first legally binding instrument in the world creating a comprehensive legal framework to protect women against all forms of violence.

Evaluation report of judicial systems available in Russian

Mon, 09 May 2011 15:19:45 GMT

The Russian authorities have produced a translation of the CEPEJ Evaluation report of European judicial systems – 2010 edition. The CEPEJ welcomes this useful initiative, which will help in undertaking necessary reforms of the daily functioning of justice.

Bureau of the Steering Committee on Media and New Communication Services (CDMC)

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:09:47 GMT

The Bureau of the CDMC will meet from 9 to 11 May in Strasbourg. It will prepare the 14th meeting of the CDMC (14-17 June 2011). The main part of its agenda will be devoted to the preparation of important standard-setting texts on a new notion of media, on protection and promotion of human rights in the context of search engines, on protection and promotion of human rights on social networks, on the governance of public service media, on Internet governance principles, on protection and promotion of the Internet universality, sustainability and openness.

Seminar on the case law of the Social Charter

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:09:20 GMT

A seminar of experts entitled Réflexions autour de la jurisprudence de la Charte sociale (“Reflecting on the case-law of the Social Charter”), organised in co-operation with the International Institute of Human Rights, will be held on 9 May 2011 in Strasbourg.

European Committee of Social Rights

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:08:22 GMT

The Committee will hold its 250th session Strasbourg from 9 to 13 May 2011.

Moldovan journalists adopt a new code of ethics

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:08:05 GMT

At a national conference on 3 May 2011 in Chisinau, Moldova, 85 mass-media outlets and associations adopted a new code of ethics of Moldovan journalists and committed themselves to observing the principles prescribed by it. Compliance with the Code will be monitored by the Moldovan Press Council, which also mediates in case of complaints by the public, and provides remedies for unethical conduct by journalists.

Peer evaluation - a new cycle begins

Thu, 05 May 2011 15:17:47 GMT

The peer evaluation report of the former cycle (2009-2010) concerning Malta, the Russian Federation, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden is available. The Nordic countries have also prepared a report on the follow-up of the peer-to-peer meeting. For 2011, the experts of the peer evaluation Group will go to Ankara on 10th and 11th May 2011, in order to evaluate the Turkish judicial system. They will also go to The Hague (The Netherlands) on 20th and 21th June 2011 and to Vienna (Austria) on 13th and 14th October 2011.

Norway: visit of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:16:46 GMT

A delegation of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will visit Oslo and Tromso from 2-5 May 2011 in the context of the monitoring of the implementation of this convention in Norway. This is the third visit of the Advisory Committee to Norway. The Delegation will have meetings with the representatives of all relevant ministries, public officials, the Ombudsman, NGOs, as well as national minority organisations.

Group of States Against Corruption publishes report on the Czech Republic

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:50:11 GMT

The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) on 29 April published its Third Round Evaluation Report on the Czech Republic, in which it stresses the importance of the effective application of the legislation on corruption and more substantial and pro-active supervision of political financing.

Council of Europe conference adopts the ''Izmir Declaration'' on the future of the European Court of Human Rights

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:51:53 GMT

The high-level conference organised on 26 and 27 April in Izmir by the Turkish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers concluded its work with the adoption of the "Izmir Declaration" on the future of the European Court of Human Rights. The Conference aimed at following up and maintaining the momentum of the process of reform of the supervisory machinery set up by the European Convention on Human Rights, process launched by the Interlaken Conference. The texts of the "Izmir Declaration", the "Concluding Remarks of the Turkish Chairmanship" and additional information are available on the conference website.

Internet Freedom: From principles to global treaty law?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:05:56 GMT

Recent events in Northern Africa and the Wikileaks affair have shown how access to the Internet can be easily disrupted, while the freedom of expression and values of democracy are put in question. What kind of responsibility do states have with regard to the Internet? The Council of Europe conference, which took place in Strasbourg on 18-19 April, tried to answer this question.

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits Georgia

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:05:23 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a visit to Georgia from 11 to 14 April 2011 in order to prepare its first monitoring report on the fight against human trafficking in this country.

Protection of national minorities: report on Armenia

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:04:51 GMT

The Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities published on 26 April its Third Opinion on Armenia, and the government’s Comments. Since the adoption of the second Opinion in May 2006, the authorities have taken a number of measures to advance the implementation of the Framework Convention and co-operate with all national minority communities living on the territory.

The CEPEJ Newsletter focuses on non-materialisation of judicial processes

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:35:13 GMT

In a time when information and communication technologies are being developed, the question of non-materialisation of judicial processes is becoming increasingly important to address, in order to cope with the requirement to improve access to justice for court users. In its 8th Newsletter, the CEPEJ proposes to study, in particular, the development of Austrian and Turkish systems. Furthermore, in complement to the previous Newsletter's feature on effects of the economic crises on the functioning of judicial systems, the CPEEJ published additional information concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina. Further information about the activities underway are also available.

Annual Report 2010: execution of judgments of European Court of Human Rights

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:34:21 GMT

The Committee of Ministers issued on 19 April its fourth annual report on the supervision of the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. The report includes detailed statistics highlighting the main tendencies of the evolution of the execution process in 2010 and a thematic overview of the most important developments in the execution of the cases pending before the Committee of Ministers. (more ...)

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Estonia

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:33:38 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published today the report on its third periodic visit to Estonia in May 2007, together with the response of the Estonian Government. These documents have been made public at the request of the Estonian authorities. In the course of the 2007 visit, the CPT’s delegation reviewed the measures taken by the Estonian authorities to implement recommendations made by the Committee after its previous visits. Particular attention was paid to the treatment of persons detained by the police (including during the disturbances that took place in Tallinn at the end of April 2007), as well as to the conditions of detention in police arrest houses and prisons. The delegation also examined the treatment and living conditions of psychiatric patients and social care home residents. (more)

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:33:08 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) recently completed a ten-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visit, which began on 5 April 2011, was the CPT’s fifth visit to this country. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the progress made since the periodic visit in March 2007 and the ad hoc visit in May 2009. The CPT’s delegation paid particular attention to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty by law enforcement officials and to the operation in practice of the legal safeguards in place. It examined various issues related to prisons, notably as regards inmates on remand, prisoners placed in high security units and disciplinary procedures. The delegation also looked into the treatment of patients at a psychiatric hospital, and of residents at a social care home. (more)

"MONEYVAL makes a real difference in the daily lives of our citizens"

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:56:32 GMT

Speaking on 13 April at MONEYVAL's 35th Plenary meeting, Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, highlighted the importance of the committee’s work. “MONEYVAL makes a real difference to the daily lives of our citizens,” he said. “It is effective, delivers results and appears on international agendas. “Its action has produced significant improvements to anti- money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism systems in many of our member States.”

Protection of national minorities: Council of Europe monitoring body publishes report on Finland

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:55:59 GMT

The Council of Europe Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities today published its Third Opinion on Finland, and the government’s Comments. The Opinion highlights several legislative as well as institutional reform initiatives by the Finnish authorities in order to foster protection against discrimination. (more)

Council of Europe Anti-Racism Commission to prepare reports on Iceland, Latvia and Ukraine

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:55:26 GMT

Delegations of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Iceland, Latvia and Ukraine between 4 to 8 April 2011 as the first step in the preparation of monitoring reports. During their visits, the delegations gathered information on the implementation of the recommendations made to the authorities in ECRI’s previous reports and discussed new issues that had emerged since.

Combating racist violence and discrimination in France: Round Table of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in Paris

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:54:46 GMT

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, jointly with the Human Rights Consultative National Commission (Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme, CNCDH) and the High Authority against Discrimination and for Equality (Haute autorité de lutte contre les discriminations et pour l'égalité de chances HALDE).

MONEYVAL publishes a Horizontal Review of mutual evaluations under the third round

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:05:50 GMT

This 3rd Horizontal Review identifies common themes arising out of its third round of mutual evaluations conducted between 2005 and 2009, major areas of weakness and identifies issues that still need to be addressed and which are being followed up in MONEYVAL’s ongoing 4th round of assessment visits.

Seminar on the protection of children and young people in Kirov

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:05:12 GMT

A seminar is being held in Kirov (Russian Federation) from 30-31 March 2011 in the context of the 50th Anniversary of the European Social Charter and it will focus on 20 years of social work carried out in Russia.

Seminar on the Revised Social Charter in Montenegro

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:04:42 GMT

A seminar is held in Podgodrica (Montenegro) on 31 March 2011 in order to provide assistance in the drafting of the first report of this state under the Revised European Social Charter and to provide training of government officials and other legal professionals as well as representatives of civil society in the legal requirements of the Charter.

Hearing to be held in Valencia on the integration of immigrants in regions and cities

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:03:59 GMT

Mr. Luis Jimena-Quesada, President of the European Committee for Social Rights, participated in a hearing organised by the European Economic and Social Committee entitled “Integrating immigrants in regions and cities : avenues for cooperation between civil society and local and regional authorities".

Council of Europe delegation to visit Morocco

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:02:41 GMT

From 29 to 30 March, a Council of Europe delegation headed by Philippe Boillat, Director General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, will meet the Moroccan authorities, NGOs and representatives of the international community present in the country. Staff from the Directorate of External Relations (DG-DPA) as well as of the Venice Commission will also participate in this delegation. The purpose of the visit is to present the Council of Europe 's instruments and to identify fields of mutual cooperation.

Joint statement on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:34:40 GMT

In a joint statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Nils Muiznieks, Chair of the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI); Morten Kjaerum, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA); and Janez Lenarčič, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), strongly condemned manifestations of racism and related intolerance.

Council of Europe Anti-Racism Commission to prepare report on Luxembourg

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:34:12 GMT

A delegation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Luxembourg from 7 to 11 March 2011 as the first step in the preparation of a monitoring report. During its visit, ECRI´s delegation gathered information on the implementation of the recommendations it made to the authorities in its previous report in 2006 and discussed new issues that had emerged since.

25th study visit of a group of Dutch judges to the Council of Europe

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:18:37 GMT

The study visit is organised from 21 to 22 March by the Netherlands Study Centre for the Judiciary (SSR) to the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The group will be familiarised with the HELP II Programme, projects of the Department of Co-operation and the work done by the standard-setting and monitoring directorates within the Directorate General. The group will attend a hearing in the case of Nada v. Switzerland. On this occasion, the Council of Europe Pro Merito medal will be awarded by the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe to Ms Rosa Jansen, Director of the SSR for the exceptional services rendered by the SSR to the Council of Europe.

New website on Legal and Human Rights Capacity Building

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:04:23 GMT

The Legal and Human Rights Capacity Building Department is launching a new website with information about all its projects and cooperation activities in fields such as human rights training for legal professionals, judicial reform, legislative assistance, networking with National Human Rights Structures, and support for police and prison reform. It includes a significant number of free documentary resources in the field of human rights and legal affairs, in many different languages.

Committee of Ministers : decisions on execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:31:36 GMT

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has just published the decisions and resolutions adopted at its first special human rights meeting for 2011. The meeting, devoted to the supervision of the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, applied for the first time the new working methods adopted in December 2010 pursuant to the decision made at the Committee’s 120th session in May 2010.

Visit of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities to Austria

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:16:24 GMT

A delegation of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will visit Klagenfurt, Burgenland and Vienna from 14 - 18 March 2011 in the context of the monitoring of the implementation of this convention in Austria. This is the third visit of the Advisory Committee to Austria. The Delegation will have meetings with the representatives of all relevant ministries, public officials, NGOs, as well as national minority organisations.

Greece: Council of Europe anti-torture Committee makes a public statement

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:08:07 GMT

The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) today issued a public statement concerning Greece. The CPT's public statement is made under Article 10, paragraph 2, of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This is the sixth time the CPT has made a public statement since it was set up in 1989.

Group of States against Corruption publishes report on Romania

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:07:22 GMT

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) published on 15 March its Third Round Evaluation Report on Romania, in which it stresses the need to achieve improvements in the area of party financing and the legal framework for corruption offences.

Two complaints submitted against Greece for non-respect of provisions of the Charter relating to remuneration and working conditions

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:25:40 GMT

The trade unions General Federation of employees of the national electric power corporation (GENOP-DEI) / Confederation of Greek Civil Servants’ Trade Unions (ADEDY) have submitted two complaints against Greece.

Council of Europe Anti-Racism Commission to prepare first report on Montenegro

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:59:46 GMT

A delegation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Montenegro from 7 to 10 February 2011, as the first step in the preparation of a monitoring report. During its visit, ECRI´s delegation gathered information on the situation regarding racism, racial discrimination (i.e. discrimination on grounds of “race”, colour, citizenship, national/ethnic origin, religion and language), xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Montenegro.

Simplifying amendment of the European Convention on Human Rights

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:03:09 GMT

The Committee of experts on a simplified procedure for amendment of certain provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights (DH-PS) will hold its second meeting in Strasbourg from 9-11 March 2011. With the principal aim of making it easier to amend organisational provisions of the Convention in future, the Committee will identify which provisions could be made subject to simplified amendment. It will also begin considering how such a procedure could best be introduced – one possibility being through creation of a Statute for the Court, which could also address other matters not currently found in the Convention – and how it would operate.

Third Conference of the Parties of the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds form Crime and the Financing of Terrorism, Strasbourg, 7-8 March 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:04:27 GMT

Highlights: Discussion of the First monitoring report by the Conference of the Parties (C198-COP) under this new international instrument, which adds value to the current international standards (notably the 40 Recommendations of the FATF and the FATF's 9 Special Recommendations). The Conference of the Parties (C198-COP) will discuss its work plans stepping up its evaluations in 2012 and 2013, and will elect a President and Vice President.

Venice Commission: Visit to Tunisia, 16-18 March 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:04:00 GMT

A delegation of the Venice Commission will travel to Tunisia at the invitation of the Tunisian authorities to discuss the assistance that the Venice Commission can provide to the national authorities including the National Committee for Political Reform. Possible topics for discussion will be constitutional and electoral reforms and the type of assistance that the Commission may bring in this framework.

Venice Commission: Assistance in preparing new Constitution in Hungary, 7-8 March 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:03:20 GMT

Following the request dated 18 February 2011 by the Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary, Minister of Public Administration and Justice, Mr Tibor Navracsics, for the Venice Commission's assistance with respect to certain issues arising in the framework of the preparation of a new Constitution, a delegation of the Commission will visit the country on 7-8 March and will meet with the national authorities and other relevant stakeholders. The relevant opinion of the Commission is on the agenda of its plenary session to be held on 25-26 March 2011.

Voluntary contribution by Germany

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:16:39 GMT

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany has made a voluntary contribution of € 50 000 to the Council of Europe towards the organisation by ECRI of a number of national round tables in 2011, following the publication of its country-specific monitoring reports. These events are addressed to civil-society representatives and government officials; they are meant to provide them with a forum for discussing jointly how best to promote the implementation of ECRI’s recommendations. The relevant agreement was signed on 3 March by Ambassador Hans-Dieter Heumann, Permanent Representative of Germany to the Council of Europe and, on behalf of the Council of Europe Secretariat, by Christos Giakoumopoulos, Director of Monitoring.

Introduction of the appeal in the Russian judicial system: new Council of Europe/European Union project, Moscow, 24 February 2011

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:27:56 GMT

The Council of Europe and the European Union will launch a project aimed at contributing to the establishment of a fully fledged appeal within the system of courts of general jurisdiction in Russia. The project reflects the outstanding issues with regard to Russia’s obligations in the framework of the Council of Europe’s monitoring mechanisms and the case law of the ECHR. The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and all its subordinated structures will be closely involved in the implementation of the project.

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Malta

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:27:26 GMT

The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has today published a report on its fourth periodic visit to Malta, which took place from 19 to 26 May 2008, together with the response of the Maltese Government. Both documents have been made public at the request of the Maltese authorities. In the course of the visit, the CPT examined the treatment of persons detained by the police, irregular immigrants detained under the Immigration Act and prisoners in the Corradino Correctional Facility. It also visited several wards at the Mount Carmel Hospital as well as the Fejda Programme and Jeanne Antide establishments for female minors and juveniles.

Round table on execution of Court's judgments on property restitution and compensation

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:32:41 GMT

In the last two decades, Central and Eastern European states have faced legal and financial challenges in finding a solution to the restitution of and/or compensation for properties nationalised before 1989. Taking place on 17 February in Bucharest, this round table aims to discuss possible ways to tackle such challenges and solve the outstanding issues at national level.

Human rights, Search engines and Social networking services – Public consultation on draft recommendations and guidelines for self regulation

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:32:14 GMT

The Council of Europe's expert committee on new media (MC-NM) is preparing draft recommendations on the protection of human rights with regard to search engines as well as on measures to protect and promote the respect of human rights with regard to social networking services. Both texts will be supplemented by guidelines intended to facilitate self-regulation. In order to ensure that relevant service providers and other stakeholders are fully involved in this process, the expert committee invites all relevant stakeholders (service providers, user and civil society organisations etc) to comment on the text(s) of relevance to their activity.

Meeting of the Ad hoc advisory group on cross border Internet (MC-S-CI), 21 and 22 February

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:31:29 GMT

The MC-S-CI will meet in Strasbourg, on 21 and 22 February. The main items on the agenda will be a draft declaration of the Committee of Ministers on Internet governance principles and a draft recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on international and multi-stakeholder cooperation on resources that are critical for the functioning of the Internet in a cross-border context.

Five new ECRI reports

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:46:46 GMT

ECRI publishes today five new reports on the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Monaco, Spain and Turkey. ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, said that while there has been progress, there are still issues of concern in all five countries.

Two events in Helsinki to highlight the 50th Anniversary of the Social Charter

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:46:06 GMT

An international seminar on the reform of the European Social Charter, organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Council of Europe, was held on 8 February 2011 in Helsinki. An academic seminar on social human rights in Europe is being held on 9 February. These are two of a series of events which have been organised in the course of the year to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Charter (18 October 2011).

A new Standing Rapporteur on Media Freedom for the Parliamentary Assembly

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:06:03 GMT

"Democracies need many voices to work properly, and I intend to work closely with partners from other parts of the Council of Europe, international organisations and civil society to counter the increasing threats to media freedom in Europe" said Mr Johansson. The role of Standing Rapporteur, created in 2001, is to "pay particular attention to serious threats to media freedom in Europe", launch PACE reports on specific issues when necessary and serve as a point of contact for other bodies.

Transfrontier television: the revision of the Convention discontinued

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:05:15 GMT

In a letter to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms Neelie Kroes, vice-President of the European Commission, recently confirmed the position of the European Commission with regard to the draft second amended protocol to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. The letter underlines that the European Union has exclusive competence for the issues covered by the draft revised Convention and that EU member States are not allowed to become party to the Convention on their own. The letter furthermore indicates that the EU does not intend to become a party to the Convention as this would constrain the speed and scope of any future policy response in the areas covered. For its part, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe endorsed proposals by the Secretary General for priorities in 2011 which included, in particular, to discontinue work on trans-frontier television following the termination of the negotiations of the Convention. This was confirmed by the Committee of Ministers when adopting the Programme of Activities and budget for 2011

Council of Europe anti-trafficking monitoring body visits Denmark

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:46:18 GMT

A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a visit to Denmark from 25 to 28 January 2011, in order to prepare its first monitoring report on the fight against human trafficking in this country.

The decision on the merits on the complaint European Council of Police Trade Unions (CESP) v. France is public

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:22:55 GMT

Following the adoption of Résolution Res CM/ChS(2011)1 by the Committee of Ministers at its 1103rd meeting, the decision on the merits adopted by the European Committee of Social rights is now public. In its decision, the Committee concluded that there was no violation of Articles 2§1 (reasonable working time) and 4§2 (increased remuneration for overtime work) of the Revised Charter.

The judge facing child abuse and human trafficking – international standards and experience, Lviv, 26 and 27 January 2011

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:22:05 GMT

This seminar is organised by the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the National School of Judges of Ukraine, within the framework of the Joint Project with the European Union on strengthening and protecting women’s and children’s rights in Ukraine (TRES). Judges of courts with general jurisdiction in Ukraine and Poland will exchange practical information on various aspects of cases with the participation of minors in court proceedings and to cross-border human trafficking.

The Lisbon network has turned over a new leaf

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:00:36 GMT

During its plenary meeting of 9 December 2010, the CEPEJ officially integrated the activities of the Lisbon Network in its own activity programme. Due to the lack of judicial status, since 2008, the activities of the Network have been put aside. The Lisbon Network, composed of training institutes for Judges and Prosecutors of the member States of the Council of Europe, has been entrusted to provide advice, expertise and support to the CEPEJ members in the field of judicial training. It will also be entrusted with the testing of the satisfaction survey for court users, drawn up by the CEPEJ Quality Working Group. The Network will hold its next plenary meeting in Strasbourg, on 17th February 2010.

CCPE 2011 work on the relationships between prosecutors and prison administration

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:53:57 GMT

The CCPE has been mandated by the Committee of Ministers to adopt in 2011 an opinion on the relationships between prosecutors and prison administration, in particular in the light of the Recommendation Rec(2006)2 on the European prison rules. The first meeting of the working group will take place on 17 and 18 March 2011 in Strasbourg.