Information on the 5 working groups of the Human Rights Committee
The working groups provide a space where INGOs can share their expertise, work on common proposals and positions and make them heard in the unique setting offered by the quadrilogue - between the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the INGO Conference - in the Council of Europe.
The Standing Committee approved the following working groups for the Human Rights Committee:
I. The European Social Charter
Person in charge: Marie-José Schmitt, European Action for the Disabled (AEH) and Vice-chair of the Human Rights Committee.
mariejose.schmitt@nordnet.fr
For the winter session of the Conference of INGOs the working group is preparing an initiative for the ratification of the Additional Protocol on Collective Complaints by further states, 14 having ratified it to date.
II. Human Rights Defenders
Persons in charge: the International Network Youth Human Rights Movement (YHRM), Human Rights House Network (HRHN) and Gérard Greneron, Vice-chair of the Human Rights Committee.
secretaire.general.cesp@cesp.eu
The areas of work:
- improve the protection of HR work through existing and possibly new mechanisms;
- promote a positive perception of HR work, in the public opinion as well as within public authorities, and act against stigmatization of human rights defenders;
- work on specific cases, both negative and positive.
The work plan will follow.
III. Violence against the Elderly and Human Rights
Person in charge: Alain Koskas, International Federation of Associations of the Elderly (FIAPA).
kalain2892@gmail.com
This theme will be taken up also by the Council of Europe Human Rights Policy and Development Department. The work plan will follow.
IV. Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
Persons in charge: Jean-Gabriel Prieur, International Movement ATD Fourth World, Maritchu Rall, International Association of Charities (AIC), working in relation with projects within the UN and the EU.
geprieur@yahoo.fr
maritchurall@gmail.com
NEXT MEETING: 26 June 14h-16h
V. Preventing and combating violence against women, domestic violence and trafficking in human beings
Person in charge: Betty Doornenbal, Gender Equality Expert of the INGO Conference
bettydoornenbal@hotmail.com
These working groups are open to all INGOs working on the issues - thank you for contacting the persons in charge.
For the Human Rights Committee:
Annelise Oeschger, Chair aoeschger@t-online.de
Gérard Greneron, Vice-chair secretaire.general.cesp@cesp.eu
Marie-José Schmitt, Vice-chair mariejose.schmitt@nordnet.fr
Maritchu Rall, Rapporteur maritchurall@gmail.com