Lisbon, 09/05/2012 - “Fiscal austerity measures implemented so far in Portugal have disproportionately affected the human rights of the most vulnerable social groups, especially children, the elderly and Roma. I welcome the government’s efforts at cushioning the impact of the financial crisis, notably through the ‘social emergency’ programme brought in late last year. Much more and systematic work is necessary though in order to fully protect and respect the social and economic rights standards by which Portugal is bound”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, upon the conclusion of his three-day visit to Lisbon.

During his visit, the Commissioner noted with concern information indicating that more than 20% of children and the elderly have been considered to be at risk of poverty. At the same time, the official unemployment rate in the country last year was estimated at 14% while in early 2012 youth unemployment reportedly reached 34%. “This is a situation that has jeopardised the laudable human rights achievements and social cohesion of the country. Portugal is a state party to the European Social Charter under which it has undertaken to effectively protect all persons who live or risk living in a situation of social exclusion or poverty. Employment, housing, education and social and medical assistance are vital social rights that may not be ignored even in times of economic crisis”. (more...)

Portugal and the Council of Europe