The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers has submitted a shortlist of three candidates for the post of Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner to the Organisation’s Parliamentary Assembly. He will take over from present Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg at the end of his mandate (31 March 2012). The candidates are Pierre-Yves Monette (Belgium), Nils Muiznieks (Latvia) and Frans Timmermans (Netherlands).

Pierre-Yves Monette is a former advisor to King Baudouin and King Albert II of Belgium, Federal Ombudsman of Belgium and Attorney at the Brussels' Bar. He is currently Professor at the College of Europe.

Nils Muiznieks is currently President of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe. Former Minister of Social Integration in Latvian government, he has 17 years professional experience in human rights (international, government, academic, civil society).

Frans Timmermans is a Dutch MP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for European cooperation. He was advisor to High Commissioner on National Minorities for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Max van der Stoel, as well as the Parliament representative in the European Convention.

The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote the awareness of and respect for human rights in 47 Council of Europe member states. (more...)

Mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights
 

CVs of the candidates