Deputy Secretary General meets Michelle Bachelet, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, 26 January 2012

Filling the gap between national laws and the reality of women in Europe, and eliminating violence against women were the two main topics discussed at the meeting between the Deputy Secretary General and the Executive Director of UN Women on 26 January. Michelle Bachelet referred to the importance of women's participation in economic, public and political life. She also commended the Council of Europe on its landmark convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence which she is promoting in Europe.

The Deputy Secretary General assured Ms Bachelet of the Council of Europe's commitment to gender equality which is now aiming to support the implementation of existing standards. Both agreed on the interest of reinforcing co-operation between their respective Organisations.

Ms Bachelet visited the Council of Europe to address the Parliamentary Assembly. Her programme included a meeting with Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Jean-Claude Mignon.