Scroll down to see all news : last updated 27 July 2009

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Click here to be redirected to the new website of the Conference of INGOs

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Murder of Natalia Estemirova : Statement by the President of the Conference of INGOS 16/07/09 “I am deeply shocked by the cold-blooded murder of Natalia Estemirova, a courageous Human Rights defender in Chechnya. Such brutal acts against civil society activists challenge the Council of Europe’s fundamental principles”. (more)

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For your diaries : The dates of the autumn INGO Session: 29 September – 1 October 2009 : order of business

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Meeting reports Synopsis of the meeting of the Conference of INGOs of 29 April 2009 Synopsis of the meeting of the Culture, Science and Education Committee, 22 June Synopsis of the meeting of the Sustainable Territorial Development Committee, 24 June

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News from the Summer INGO Session: 22-24 June 2009 : order of business Elections of the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Transversal Groups Gender Equality Transversal Group Karin Nordmeyer was elected Chair Christiaan Colpaert was elected Vice-Chair Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group Michel Julien was elected Chair Anne Sforza was elected Vice-Chair Human Rights Committee: Concerned about the Lithuanian “Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information” because of its homophobic content, the Committee adopted the following Resolution: CONF/HR(2009)RES1 Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee Anxious to see the Council of Europe make fuller use of the results of its numerous and varied activities relating to family issues, the Committee adopted the following Recommendation: CONF/SOC(2009)REC1

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Parliamentary Assembly Human Rights Prize: call for nominations Do you know an NGO or an individual whose action in defense of human rights in Europe has been outstanding? Consider nominating them for the second edition of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Human Rights Prize. Selected by a distinguished panel from the human rights world, the winner of the 10,000-euro prize is honoured by Europe’s oldest parliamentary body at a special ceremony in Strasbourg. Nominations, proposed by at least five sponsors, can be made on a form available on the Assembly’s website, and should reach the Assembly by 30 September. The 2009 prize, the first ever, was awarded to British Irish Rights Watch, an NGO which since 1990 has been monitoring the human rights dimension of the Northern Ireland conflict and, more recently, the peace process. Human Rights Prize website

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Work on the new website is nearing the end. The new website will be launched in early July. The link via the Council of Europe portal, in the section “Institutions” will direct you to the new site. In the meantime the documents for the June INGO session appear below.

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Strasbourg, 10 June: Exchange of views between Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, President of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers The President presented the objectives and activities of the Conference as well as prospects for future co-operation. Reference documents Statement by Mr Heydt

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Working Documents for the INGO June Session Standing Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 24 June Synopsis of the meeting on 29 April Civil Society and Democracy Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 24 June Synopsis of the meeting of 27 April Culture, Science and Education Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 22 June Synopsis of the meeting of 27 April Human Rights Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 22 June Synopsis of the meeting of 27 April Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 24 June Synopsis of the meeting of 28 April Sustainable Territorial Development Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 24 June Synopsis of the meeting of 28 April Gender Equality Transversal Group Draft agenda of the meeting on 23 June Synopsis of the meeting of 28 April Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group Draft agenda of the meeting on 23 June Synopsis of the meeting of 28 April

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Madrid, 12 May. The President of the INGO Conference of the Council of Europe, Mr Jean-Marie-Heydt, participated in the 119th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. «  Rekindling the people’s interest in Europe is both urgent and necessary » declared Mr Heydt (more, French only) Press Release Declaration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe Declaration on making gender equality a reality

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News from the Spring Session of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, 27- 29 April) Order of business Agenda of the meeting of the Conference on 29 April Synopsis of the meeting of the Conference of 28 January A step towards participatory democracy At its meeting on 29 April, the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe approved the draft Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Process (more) Link to the Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-making Process “The economic crisis is not an excuse to neglect human rights” Speaking at the meeting of the Standing Committee on 29 April 2009, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Thomas Hammarberg stated that “Enabling all people to enjoy equal access to their social rights must now be priority number one”. Extract of the intervention by Mr Hammarberg at the Standing Committee New Afghan law on “Personal Status” for Shia citizens Concerned about the discrimination against women in Afghanistan, the Chair of the Gender Equality Transversal Group addressed an open letter to President Karzai of Afghanistan “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”: Recommendation adopted by the Conference on 29 April to promote the signature and ratification of the Convention

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Strasbourg, 28 April. The President of the Conference of INGOs, Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, met with Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, President of the Norwegian Parliament and candidate for the post of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. They discussed the perspectives for increasing the political relevance and visibility of the Council of Europe and strengthening its pan-European perspective, areas in which the INGO Conference with its 400 European members can play an active role. Special attention was paid to strengthening civil society and all citizens in upholding Council of Europe core values - human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It was outlined that civil society can significantly contribute to peace and stability in Europe, using its unique role for dialogue and confidence building among different communities.

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The Second Congress of the Belarusian Diaspora of Europe and the USA took place in Strasbourg, France from 24-28 April 2009. The New Belarusian Leaders Forum: Renaissance Generation addressed the matters of cooperation between the EU and Belarus united the representatives of the younger cohort of Belarusian émigrés in the EU and the USA. (more) Final Declaration (English) Final Declaration (Belarusian) Press Release (Russian)

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The President of the INGO Conference, Jean-Marie Heydt, in Moscow Speaking at the opening of the first conference on ''Russian legislation concerning non-profit organisations and international practice'' which started in Moscow on 20 April, the President of the Conference of INGOs stated: ''In the present-day world, the role of non-profit organisations in the development of civil society is of incalculable value. This conference is of significance not only to Russia but to the whole of Europe.'' Press release

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Working documents for the Committee meetings

Standing Committee Draft Agenda of the meeting on 29 April Synopsis of the meeting of 26 January Synopsis of the meeting of 29 January Civil Society and Democracy Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 27 April Synopsis of the meeting of 27 January Culture Science and Education Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 27 April Synopsis of the meeting of 27 January Human Rights Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 27 April Synopsis of the meeting held on 26 January Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 28 April Synopsis of the meeting of 27 January Sustainable Territorial Development Committee Draft agenda of the meeting on 28 April Synopsis of the meeting of 28 April Synopsis of the meeting held on 27 January Gender Equality Transversal Group Draft Agenda of the meeting on 28 April Synopsis of the meeting of 29 January Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group Draft agenda of the meeting on 28 April Synopsis of the meeting of 29 January

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News from the Expert Council on NGO Law The members of the Expert Council on NGO Law will meet on Thursday 30 April 2009 to discuss the Expert Council’s next report on Internal Governance of Non-Governmental Organisations. We take this opportunity to publish the full version of the 2008 report on Conditions for Establishment of Non-Governmental Organisations. Expert Council First Report Recommendation on the first report of the Expert Council on NGO Law Terms of Reference Introductory memorandum Recommendation (2007)14 of the Committee of Ministers

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The Civil Society Leadership Network is back  Spring has brought new perspectives and new participants to the Civil Society Leadership Network. The competition was tough but our partners managed to select participants for two new groups of NGO leaders. In 2009, the Network’s membership will be enriched with the addition of sixty Human Rights activists and leaders of NGOs dealing with European integration issues. (more)

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Strasbourg, 24 March. The President of the Conference of INGOs, Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, met with Senator Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, the Polish candidate for the post of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. They discussed the place of the Council of Europe and its institutional pillars in the European architecture, strengthening the role of civil society and the Conference of INGOs for human rights protection and the promotion of democratic standards in Europe. Also raised was the issue of the involvement of civil society in the democratic process in European countries and the contribution of NGOs in overcoming the human rights and humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts in Europe.

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The President of the Conference of INGOs participated in the first Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Social Cohesion. The theme of the Conference which was held in Moscow on 26 and 27 February 2009 was “Investing in social cohesion – investing in stability and the well-being of society". Speech by Jean-Marie-Heydt (French only) Final Declaration of the Conference

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Strasbourg, Tuesday 17 February: The President of the INGO Conference presented the first report of the Expert Council to the Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J). In the context of the evaluation of the implementation of Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe, Jean-Marie Heydt, President of the INGO Conference, presented the first report of the Expert Council on NGO. Statement by Jean-Marie Heydt at the GR-J

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The Role of NGOs in the situation following the August 2008 conflict The Conference of INGOs held a Round-table on "the role of NGOs in the situation following the August 2008 Conflict" in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 February. The aim of the Round-table was to indentify concrete possibilities for strengthening the role of civil society in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law following the August 2008 conflict. Programme

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On Wednesday 28 January, the Conference of INGOs elected its new President. Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, European Association of Training Centres for Socio-Educational Care Work, has been elected President of the INGO Conference with a three year mandate. Mr Heydt was Vice-President of the Conference for 5 years. Press communiqué

Mr Gérard Greneron, Mr Alain Mouchoux and Ms Iamvi Totsi were elected Vice-Presidents. Ms Sophie Dimitroulias, Mr Taras Poljanec, Mrs Maritchu Rall and Ms Jenny Schuler were elected Rapporteurs

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Meeting of the Conference of INGOs, 28 January 2009: Agenda of the Conference Synopsis of the meeting of 28 January Stock-taking by the President of the Council of Europe Conference of INGOs, Annelise Oeschger, at the opening of the plenary session on 28 January 2009 2008 Activity Report of the Conference of INGOs

Texts adopted by the Conference of INGOs on 28 January Recommendation on the first report of the Expert Council on NGO Law Recommendation on the proposed Council of Europe Convention to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence Recommendation on Instituting a “European Year of Voluntary Action” Recommendation on the Durban Review Conference “to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” Recommendation on the protection of Human Rights Defenders in the Russian Federation Recommendation “Conference of INGOs – a budget to meet its mission” Rules of Procedure of the Conference of INGOs: The Conference adopted the additional provisions to the Rules of Procedure with regard to the transversal groups: Additional provisions to the Rules of Procedure adopted by the INGO Conference on 28 January Text approved by the Standing Committee on 29 January Declaration adopted by the Sustainable Territorial Development Committee on 27 January “Better prevention of environment related health hazards”

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Working documents for the Committees: Standing Committee Agenda of the meeting on 26 January Synopsis of the meeting of 26 January Agenda of the meeting on 29 January Synopsis of the meeting of 29 January Civil Society and Democracy Committee: Synopsis of the meeting of 3 October Agenda of the meeting on 27 January Synopsis of the meeting of 27 January Culture Science and Education Committee: Synopsis of the meeting of 3 October Agenda of the meeting on 27 January Human Rights Committee Synopsis of the meeting of 2 October Agenda of the meeting on 26 January Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee: Synopsis of the meeting of 2 October Agenda of the meeting on 27 January Sustainable Territorial Development Committee: Synopsis of the meeting of 2 October Agenda of the meeting on 27 January Gender Equality Transversal Group : Synopsis of the meeting of 1 October Agenda of the meeting on 29 January Synopsis of the meeting of 29 January Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group Synopsis of the meeting of 1 October Agenda of the meeting on 29 January

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On Tuesday, 20 January, the President of the Conference of INGOS, Annelise Oeschger, had an exchange of views with the Ministers’ Deputies Rapporteur Group on Democrcy (GR-DEM). The exchange of views centred on several major initiatives of the INGO Conference such as its support to Belarus civil society, the Expert Council on NGO legislation, the Code of good practice on civil participation, as well as the role of NGOs in the post-conflict situations in the South Caucasus. (more) (French only)

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Civil Society Leadership Network’s last event in 2008, 10-14 December 2008 in Kyiv, Ukraine: time to sum-up and keep the network going Kyiv was the venue for the last event in 2008 of the Civil Society Leadership Network which from 10 to 14 December brought together NGO leaders and experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This session, designed for some 60 high and middle management representatives of think tanks and monitoring NGOs, focused on the role of NGOs in policy-making and reforms (more). Programme of the Kyiv meeting

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Third Regional NGO Congress in the Russian Federation: towards a code of good practice for civil participation Some 250 NGO representatives from the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus as well as from European neighbouring countries met in Penza (Russian Federation) from 5 to 7 December with representatives of the INGO Conference. They discussed issues such as the NGO legislation and its implementation, the role of NGOs in intercultural dialogue and the relation between media and civil society and worked on the draft code of good practice for civil participation. A round table dealt with the role of NGOs in the development of regional cooperation, including dialogue in post-conflict situations. A youth forum preceded the congress. The congress adopted a declaration and the full conclusions and recommendations will be ready by the end of January. Final declaration in English www.ngocongress.ru

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Autumn Session of the Conference of INGOs Synopsis of the meeting of the Standing Committee held on 3 October

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On 29 September the Secretary General sent to the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities the list of INGOs to which he proposes granting participatory status in 2008. In accordance with Resolution (2003)8 these three bodies of the Council have three months to give their tacit approval. At the end of this period, and if no objection is raised, the 13 INGOs will have their status confirmed. Further information : document SG/INF(2008)16

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Council of Europe Forum for the Future of Democracy A delegation of around forty NGOs and INGOs, headed by Jean-Marie Heydt, Vice-President of the Conference of INGOs, participated in the meeting of the Forum which took place in Mardi from 15 to 17 October. The theme of this year’s meeting was “E-Democracy, who dare’s?” The Forum Conclusions Speech by Mr Heydt

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Proposed Convention to combat violence against women : The Standing Committee of the Conference of INGOs meeting on 3 October during its autum session adopted a declaration supporting a proposed Council of Europe Convention to combat violence agianst women. The Conference considers that there is an urgent need to stop all forms of violence against women. Declaration N° CONF/SC(2008)Dec1

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INGO Session, Strasbourg, October 2008 New leadership for the INGO thematic Committees. The following were elected: Human Rights Committee Chair : Gabriel Nissim (The World Catholic Association for Communication - SIGNIS) Vice-Chair : Brigitte Kahn (International Council of B'Nai B'rith - ICBB) Civil Society and Democracy Committee Chair : Antonella Valmorbida (Association of Local Democracy Agencies - ALDA) Vice-Chair : Veysel Filiz (COJEP International – Pluri-cultural Youth Council) Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee Chair : Irene Donadio (International Planned Parenthood Federation – European Network – IPPF-EN) Vice-Chair : Antonina Nikolaevna Dashkina (International Federation of Social Workers - Europe - IFSW), Culture, Science and Education Committee Chair : Edouard Jagodnik (European Federation of Schools - FEDE) Vice-Chair : Sabine Rohmann (The Robert Schuman Institute for Europe) Sustainable Territorial Development Chair : Anne-Marie-Chavanon (International Federation for Housing and Planning - IFHP) Vice-Chair : Georg Mäschig (European Network of Geography Teachers’ Association - EUROGEO) The Gender Equality Transversal Group and the Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group are chaired by Karin Nordmeyer and Michel Julien respectively. These nominations were made by the Bureau of the INGO Conference. Other highlights of the week were : Presentation of first report of the Expert Council on NGO Law Round Table on the proposal for a convention to combat violence against women and on the monitoring mechanism of the CoE convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings Working visit of civil society representatives from Belarus during the October part-session of PACE and their participation in meetings of the Conference of INGOs of CoE

Working documents for the INGO Session: Standing Committee Human Rights Committee Culture, Science and Education Committee Civil Society and Democracy Committee Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee Sustainable Territorial Development Committee Gender Equality Transversal Group Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group

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RESULTS OF THE EUROPEAN YOUTH SURVEY “Young people and Europe” conducted by Jenny SCHULER, Rapporteur of the Council of Europe INGO Conference This survey was conducted as part of and for the purpose of the Building a Europe for and with Children campaign launched by the Council of Europe in Monaco in April 2006. (more)

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Building Partnerships for Citizenship and Human Rights Education On 9-10 October 2008, a Forum on “Civic Partnerships for Citizenship and Human Rights Education” was organised by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in the framework of the Swedish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Final Declaration http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/education/edc/NGOs_Corner%5CForumOct2008_en.asp

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Highlights of the summer session of the Conference of INGOs, 23-26 June The Conference of INGOs has restructured to be more in line with the other pillars of the Council of Europe and adopted new Rules of Procedure: Rules of Procedure of the Conference of INGOs adopted 25 June 2008 Transitional provisions The new structure is as follows : Standing Committee, Human Rights Committee, Culture, Science and Education Committee, Civil Society and Democracy Committee, Social Cohesion and Eradication of Poverty Committee, Sustainable Territorial Development Committee, Gender Equality Transversal Group, Europe and Global Challenges Transversal Group. Note prepared for the meeting of the Conference of INGOs Texts adopted : - Resolution on Voluntary Action - Recommendation of the Conference of INGOs to Council of Europe member states on the adoption of the Guiding Principles on “Extreme poverty and human rights: the rights of the poor” by the United Nations Human Rights Council - Recommendation by the Liaison Committee of the Conference of INGOs to UNMIK and other international actors Round table on the Rule of Law and Intercultural Dialogue The Conference of INGOs held a Round table on 26 June on the “Rule of Law and Intercultural Dialogue” at which Gabriella Battaini, Coordinator for Intercultural Dialogue, presented the INGOs the recently adopted Council of Europe White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue Round table programme Link to the White Paper Background paper

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Conference on Democratisation of the Mass Media in Belarus organsied by the Confernence of INGOs, Warsaw, 6-7 June 2008 Civil society conference calls on Council of Europe, EU and OSCE to support setting up of European Monitoring Council on Media in Belarus: Press Release Resolution Speech by Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, Vice President of the Conference of INGOs

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The critical Housing situation in France ATD Fourth World congratulates the European Committee for Social Rights for its report following the collective complaint on the right to housing in France. Link to the press release (in French only)

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President of the Conference of INGOs, Annelise Oeschger, addressed the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe at its 15th plenary Session in Strasbourg on Thursday 29 May in the context of the Memorandum of Partnership between local and regional authorities and NGOs in Council of Europe member States drawn up between the Conference of INGOs and the Congress. Link to speech : mms://coenews.coe.int/vod/080602_w01_w.wmv Memorandum of Partnership between local and regional authorities and NGOs in Council of Europe member States

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Role of the Conference of INGOs highlighted at the 117th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Strasbourg, 7 May 2008) In their report on the implementation of the Warsaw Declaration and Action Plan (CM(2008)53), the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Council of Europe member States highlighted the reinforced role of the INGO Conference in the priority areas of the Council of Europe. Emphasising the essential contribution made by non-governmental organisations and the role of civil society in general in the development and realisation of democracy, the Ministers instructed their Deputies to make a first evaluation of the implementation of Recommendation (2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe. Link to Final Communiqué of the Session Link to document CM(2008)53

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Bratislava, 25-26 April : Seminar on NGOS and Civil Society : Promoters of Democracy and Active Citizenship organised by the Conference of INGOs and the Center for the Research of Ethnicity and Culture (CVEK) and held in the framework of the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Programme Press release

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European Union Fundamental Rights Agency The Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe looked into this question at its last meeting on 15 April 2008 and asked its Bureau to take the necessary steps so as to ensure a permanent representation of the Conference of INGOs in the EU Fundamental Rights Agency Platform. Speech by Marie-José Schmitt, Vice-President of the European Social Charter and Socal Policy Grouping, at the meeting of the Conference More information on the Agency : http://fra.europa.eu/fra

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INGO Spring meetings 14-17 April 2008 Highlights of the NGO Session: Meeting of the Conference of INGOs: Main agenda item “Reorganisation of the Conference of INGOs”. See document OING Conf (2008) INF 1 - Meeting on the activities of the Conference of INGOs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and in Belarus (follow-up to the NGO Regional Congress in Kyiv, 25-27 November 2007) Resolution on Belarus adopted on 22 January 2008 Resolution adopted at the Kyiv Regional Congress

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"création originale de TOMI UNGERER” ASSOCIATION “REGARDS D’ENFANTS” ___________________________

The Colloquy « A child’s view of Human Rights » organised by the NGO « Regards d’Enfants » in co-operation with the Education and Culture Grouping and the Human Rights Grouping was held in Strasbourg from 8 to 10 March. It brought together 172 children from 5 European countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, Russia and Switzerland). The Colloquy was preceded by a drawing competion « Draw-me Human Rights » open to several European children. The drawings were displayed at the Council of Europe from 10 to 21 April.

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The Conference of INGOs participated in the 2008 Exchange of the Council of Europe on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue, held in Strasbourg on 8 April 2008. The exchange focused on teaching religious and convictional facts and brought together representatives of religions, INGOs, experts and representatives of the media. The INGO Conference was represented by its President, Annelise Oeschger, as well INGOs particularly competent in this field. Information document (bilingual): Report of a Study Day organised by the INGO Conference on 28 April 2005 on “Education that takes account of religion : how can this contribute to democratic citizenship” For more information on the 2008 Exchange: Website of the Committee of Ministers

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Strasbourg, Tuesday 12 March : Exchange of views between the Ministers’ Deputies and the President of the Conference of INGOs: The Ministers’ Deputies held an exchange of views with Mrs Annelise Oeschger, President of the Conference of INGOs, on Tuesday 12 March at 3pm. This annual exchange of views is an opportunity for the Ministers’ Deputies to take stock of the activities and major initiatives of the INGO Conference. Background documents of particular relevance are compiled in information document OING/Conf(2008)INF1 Speech of the President of the INGO Conference Decision of the Ministers’ Deputies

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International, Intercultural and Inter-convictional Symposium organised by the Conference of INGOs and the G3i on “Social Cohesion in a Multicultural Europe : role and impact of currents of thought and religions”. The full report of this Symposium held in Strasbourg on 3 and 4 October 2007, is available in French only. A summary by François Becker is available in English Full report (French only) Summary

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January Session of INGOS : 21-24 January 2008 Annelise Oeschger, President of the INGO Conference, welcomes the early release from prison of youth opposition leader in Belarus (more) Texts adopted : The Conference of INGOs adopted a Resolution on the deteriorating Human Rights situation in Belarus The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons : The Human Rights Grouping adopted a resolution on Human Rights defenders working for the rights of LGBT persons Situation of Human Rights defenders in Serbia : The Human Rights Grouping adopted a recommendation on the situation of three leaders of Serbia’s Independent Police Trade Union Other Highlights of the week were: Exchange of views with the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Mr Jean-Paul Costa; Dialogue with the European Union: development of co-operation with the European Commission in the social field: exchange of views with Mr Jérome Vignon, Director of Social Protection and integration of the European Commission Co-operation with the European Union’s Agency for Fundamental Rights: exchange of views with Mrs Pia Tirronen, representative of the Agency. Discussion on the structural reform of the Conference of INGOs continues. Key reference documents are the following : Memorandum on reorganisation dated 20 December 2007 Proposals of the President of the Conference Conclusions of the seminars organised by the Liaison Committee on 7-8 October 2006 and 5-6 October 2007 Reports on the meetings of the Liaison Committee organised on 25 June and 1st October 2007, and of the meeting of the Conference of INGOs on 26 June 2007

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Co-operation between the Parliamentary Assembly and the Conference of INGOs should be intensified : The Parliamentary Assembly encourages intensified co-operation with NGOs and in particular the Conference of INGOs in its recently adopted texts on co-operation between the Assembly and the Conference of INGOs. Texts adopted by the Standing Committee of the Assembly on 23 November 2007: Resolution 1589 (2007) of the Parliamentary Assembly on co-operation between the Assembly and the Conference of INGOs Recommendation 1820 (2007) of the Parliamentary Assembly on co-operation between the Assembly and the Conference of INGOs Report of the Political Affairs Committee, Document 11441, on co-operation between the Assembly and the Conference of INGOs

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NGOs should take on a more important role in reinforcing democracy says Council of Europe Some 180 representatives of non-governmental organisations met in Kyiv (Ukraine) from 25 to 27 November at the initiative of the Council of Europe to discuss the role their organisations could play in developing and consolidating democracy. At the end of the Congress participants adopted a Resolution developing proposals and recommendations: Link to the Kyiv Congress Resolution This regional conference, the second of its kind, gave participants from Belarus, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and neighbouring countries a discussion platform for stepping up co-operation and making recommendations for civil society initiatives in their region. These conferences are run under a pilot project launched after the 2005 Warsaw Summit by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe. The project is geared to convening regional congresses of NGOs to come up with responses to problems of involving civil society in developing and strengthening democracy.

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5-6 November, Nis, Serbia: NGOs and civil society : promoters of democracy and active citizenship Conference organised by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, in partnership with Serbian NGOs and their networks. The main topics discussed during this event were the Serbian legislation on NGOs, the relations between NGOs and public authorities, youth participation in policy making, citizenship and human rights education as well as the role of NGOs in the Council of Europe's campaign to combat violence against women, including domestic violence. Conclusions

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Report of the study day on “Sects and cults: a challenge to democracy and human rights” held in Strasbourg on 28 June 2007. This study day was organised by the Conference of INGOs at the initiative of its President, Ms Annelise Oeschger, with the assistance of the Vice-President of FECRIS (the European Federation of Research and Information Centres on Sectarism) Mrs Danièle Muller-Tulli. The report summarises the speeches and discussion of the day. Link to the report

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18-23 October, Timisoara, Romania: Forum on Intercultural Dialogue The Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, in partnership with the Intercultural Institute of Timisoara, held a forum on intercultural dialogue, in Romania in October. The results of the forum will be available in due course. Outcome of the Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Strasbourg in November 2006

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Wednesday 17 October 2007 The Council of Europe NGOs, in particular the Extreme Poverty and Social Cohesion Grouping, together with the International Movement ATD-Fourth World, marked the World Day to overcome Extreme Poverty with a workshop and a ceremony at the Council of Europe. The Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio and the Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, who particpated in both events, heard first-hand accounts of different experiences from representatives from Romania, Moldova, Russia, Germany and France. Speech by the Deputy Secretary General INGO publication : The contribution of NGOs to the fight against poverty and social exclusion in Europe

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Texts adopted by the INGOs at their Autumn Session (1-4 October 2007) On 1 October at the meeting of the enlarged Liaison Committee on the protection of Human Rights Defenders, the INGOs adopted a declaration to support Amnesty International against attacks based on religious doctrine INGO Declaration to support Amnesty International’s stand against attacks based on religious doctrine On 2 October the Human Rights Grouping adopted a Resolution on the statement by Patriarch Alexi II of Moscow and all of Russia on homosexuality Resolution OING D 2007 RES 1 Relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union On 2 October the Conference of INGOs held an exchange of views with Mrs Pavan-Woolfe, representative of the European Commission to the Council of Europe. Discussion focused on Article 50 of the Memorandum of Understanding “The Contribution of civil society to achieving the objectives shared by the Council of Europe and the European Union will also be encouraged". Reference documents: Memorandum of Understanding Contribution of the INGO Conference to the Juncker Report

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The first edition of the INGO newsletter launched in June: INGO NEWS OING INFOS News from the Education and Cultural Grouping : Edition 6 of the Newsletter

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Forum for the Future of Democracy, 3rd meeting, Sigtuna/Stockholm, 13-15 June 2007 The INGO Conference made a strong contribution to the 3rd meeting of the Forum for the Future of Democracy in Sweden. Please find below the speech by Jean Marie Heydt, Vice-President of the INGO Conference and the Conclusions of the meeting. Speech by J-M Heydt Forum Conclusions

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The Conference of INGOs evaluates one year of implementation of the Russian NGO legislation. On Thursday 19 April, the Conference of INGOs together with representatives of civil society and authorities from the Russian Federation took stock of the situation regarding NGOs one year after the implementation of the Russian NGO legislation. This meeting followed several fact finding trips by the President of the INGO Conference to the Russian Federation. It was followed at 1pm by a Press Conference. Agenda Chronology of events Recommendation adopted by the INGO Conference on 6 October 2006

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Children - Europe’s creators : Round table organised by the Conference of INGOs on children and violence organised as part of the “Building Europe for and with children” programme 16-26 April 2007: Exhibition of paintings by child victims of violence 19 April 2007: Round table on children and violence: Speech by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly Background document

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7 February 2007 : Exchange of views between the Ministers’ Deputies and the President of the INGO Conference, Mrs Annelise Oeschger : The President of the INGO Conference at her annual exchange of views with the Deputies, took stock of activities of 2006 and presented prospects for future action and co-operation. Speech by Annelise Oeschger

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Meeting of the INGO Conference January 2007: Resolution on the situation of civil society in Belarus adopted by the Conference of INGOs on 30 January 2007

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Reaction of the President of the INGO Conference to the Tehran conference on the Holocaust Further to the Teheran conference on the Holocaust, I repeat that there can be no question of ever denying the absolute evil represented by the Shoah and of undermining the dignity of its victims. Faced with tendencies to deny the existence of the Holocaust, I urge you to act and make known the Council of Europe’s work on the Holocaust. In its Recommendation (2001)15 to member States, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers designated a day in schools (27 January) for “Holocaust remembrance and the prevention of crimes against humanity”. Through the “Pestalozzi” training programme for education professionals, the Division for the European dimension of education, in close co-operation with member States, organises workshops on teaching remembrance”.

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NEWS FROM 2006 ……………………………………………………

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Seminar on “The Participatory Element of Democracy”, 4 and 5 December 2006, Strasbourg. The Seminar, a contribution to the Forum for the Future of Democracy covered such themes as: • Accountability of NGOs as advocacy groups • Accountability of NGOs as service providers • The role of NGOs in ensuring checks and balances (more) Speech of the President of the INGO Conference (French only) Report

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Working weekend of the Liaison Commitee (Strasbourg, 7 and 8 October) Meeting report Report of the English workshop Report of the French workshop

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Texts adopted by the Conference of the INGOs at it’s autumn session: Resolution on freedom of expression Recommendation on the institutional balance at the Council of Europe Recommendation on the NGO legislation in Russia and its implementation Communication by the Conference : Russian NGOs in the limelight NGOs and civil society are among the priorities of the Russian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (May to November 2006). In this context the Council of Europe’s Conference of INGOs, in cooperation with Russian NGOs and authorities is paying particular attention to the situation of civil society in that country (more). __________________________________________________________________________

European Conference on Social Rights, 15-16 September 2006, Moscow, Russian Federation The President of the Conference of INGOs and a delegation of INGO representatives attended the European conference “Ensuring Social rights and Cooperation between State authorities and Civil society” co-organised by the Council of Europe, the Russian authorities and the Conference of INGOs within the framework of the Russian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The objectives of the conference were to exchange information on concrete activities and challenges faced by civil society in the promotion of access to social rights and in dialogue and co-operation between civil society and public authorities. Summary of the Conference Press release N° 504

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The Liaison Committee and thematic Groupings of Conference of INGOs met from 26-29 June. The INGOs continued their support to civil society in Belarus and adopted a Resolution with regard to possibilities for students from Belarus to study abroad. The INGOs also adopted their contribution to the work on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union and on the follow-up to the Juncker Report.

The President of the INGO Conference, addressed youth NGOs and parliamentarians at the launch of the “All Different – All Equal” Youth Campaign.

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STRASBOURG, 19/05/06 : President of the INGO Conference of the Council of Europe addresses Committee of Ministers The President of the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) of the Council of Europe, Annelise Oeschger, addressed the 116th. Session of the Committee of Ministers. Speech of President, Annelise Oeschger In her speech the President underlined the close co-operation existing between the INGO Conference and the Chairmanships of the Committee of Ministers. In particular, mention was made of seminar in Bucharest on 4-6 May with Romanian NGOs which was organised by the INGO Conference in the context of the Romanian Chairmanship. [Stocktaking of the Romanian Chairmanship ] With respect to the Russian Chairmanship, the President referred to the organisation of a seminar with Russian and international NGOs in co-operation with the Russian authorities in Kemerovo on 13-15 September 2006. This seminar would represent an opportunity for the INGO Conference to examine the impact of new legislation on the activities of NGOs in Russia. [Priorities of the Russian Chairmanship] Press release Conclusions of the 116th. Session of the Committee of Ministers

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Seminar on the participation of Romanian civil society in the European construction process: organised by the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) of the Council of Europe in the context of the Romanian chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (Bucharest, 4-6 May). Report of the meeting Two Recommendations resulted from the Seminar : Declaration on Gender Equality implementation in Romania Recommendations of Romanian NGOs active in the field of Health to the Romanian Government

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April 2006 meetings of the INGOs :Texts adopted by the Liaison Committee at its meeting on 12 April: Decision on Belarus Motion on the relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union

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Warsaw Regional NGOs Congress on Civil Society Involvement in Building Democracy : Warsaw, 24th-26th March 2006 Conclusions and Recommendations Resolution on Belarus

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Highlights from the January 2006 Session of the INGOs Russian NGO legislation : Exchange of veiws between Ambassador Orlov, Permanent Representative of the the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe and the Liaison Committee of the INGO Conference. Press release Exchange of views with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly Mr René van der Linden : civil society must play a more central role in the organisation’s projects to strengthen democracy. Press release Report on the relationship between the Council of Europe and the European Union which the Third Council of Europe Summit asked Mr Jean-Claude JUNCKER, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, to prepare : Contribution by the INGO Conference. The Conference adopted their contribution on 25 January. Contribution by the INGO Conference

The Multiyear Framework programme of the INGOs : As a follow-up to the 3rd Council of Europe Summit, the INGOs enjoying participatory status prepared a “Multi-year Framework Programme”. The programme was presented and adopted at the meeting of the INGO Conference on 25 January. Multiyear Framework programme Liaison Committee Elections: click here for the results Election of President of the Conference: Annelise OESCHGER, International Movement ATD Fourth World, was re-elected President of the Conference of INGOs on 25 January 2006 for a period of 3 years. Interview

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NGO Forum “Integration of migrants in Europe : what role for NGOs?” Messina, 11-12 November 2005 Messina Declaration General Report Report from Workshop 1 “Culture, religion, education: succesfully drawing cultures together” Report from Workshop 2 “Social-economic questions: ways to improve immigants’ living conditions” Report from Workshop 3 “Human Rights: ensuring that they are respected in the migration context”

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Freedom of Association : thematic report presented by the Secretary General and decisions for follow-up action taken by the Commitee of Ministers : The Committee of Ministers recently declassified its report on freedom of association. The report consists of three volumes : 1. an overview of the Council of Europe’s work on freedom of association; 2. examples of legislation and practice on freedom of association in member States in application of Council of Europe principles and standards; 3. conclusions and proposals for follow-up action including a decision by the Committee of Ministers : “instructed the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ), in consultation with the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) and the Conference of INGOs enjoying participatory status with the Council of Europe, to pursue its examination of the proposal to elaborate a non-binding legal instrument in the form of a Recommendation on NGOs, taking into account the “Fundamental Principles on the Status of NGOs in Europe” and the present thematic report on “freedom of association”; The reports can be downloaded from the website of the Committee of Ministers : Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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Texts adopted by the Conference of international NGOs at their October session The INGOs at their meeting on 5 October adopted the following two texts : INGO position on the future Agency for Fundamental Rights of the European Union Declaration on the Forum for the Future of Democracy in Europe

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INGO June session (21 and 22 June 2005) Speech of the Secretary General at the INGO meeting on Wednesday 22 June

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Extraordinary meeting of the Liaison Committee on the occasion of the 3rd Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government Warsaw 14 and 15 May 2005 Special file on the INGO meetings in Warsaw (including links to speeches) General report from the Extraordinary meeting on 14 May Reports from the three workshops : English Workshop French Workshop Bilingual Workshop Programme Other civil society events Ceremony at the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial

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News from the Warsaw Summit Action Plan Warsaw Declaration Speech by the INGO President, Annelise Oeschger, at the 3rd Summit Interview with Annelise Oeschger Contribution of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe to the 3rd Summit Polish version of Recommendation INGO (2005)1

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7th European Ministerial Conference on Mass Media Policy and NGO Forum, Kyiv, 8-11 March 2005 Defining the rights and responsibilities of the media in times of crisis, protecting media diversity in the face of globalisation and defending human rights in the Information Society will be the main themes of the Ministerial Conference which was held on 10 and 11 March. The Conference was opened by Viktor Yuschenko, President of Ukraine and Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe (more) Meeting report by Gabriel Nissim Interviews from the Conference : Kate Adie : Silence and secrecy are never good for democracy Gabriel Nissim: the contribution of the civil society to the Kiev conference Karol Jakubowicz, Chairman of the Council of Europe's Steering Committee on the Mass Media An NGO Forum was held two days prior to the Conference on Tuesday 8 March to enable NGOs to formulate and submit contributions on the subjects to be covered, which will then be presented.

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News and Events from 2004

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Exchange of views between the Ministers’ Deputies and the Chairperson of the INGO Liaison Committee : On 7 December Mrs Annelise Oeschger had an exchange of views with the Ministers’ Deputies. It was the occasion to brief the Deputies on the implementation of the participatory status and the INGO contribution to the 3rd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe. Mrs Oeschger was interviewed on this occasion for the Council of Europe website. Please click here for a copy of her interview.

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New Chairperson of the Laision Committee electedi in January : Mrs Annelise Oeschger, International Movement ATD - Fourth World, was unanimously elected to the post of Chairperson of the Liaison Committee for a mandate of two years. Interview with Annelise Oeschger following her election

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