Parliamentary Assembly 22/06/2011 President Sargsyan emphasises importance of confidence and tolerance Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan Armenia has been drawing closer to Europe in a unique and natural way for two decades, during which the Council of Europe has been a key partner in the process of establishing and strengthening democracy, the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, has told the Parliamentary Assembly.  

Parliamentary Assembly 21/06/2011 Integration with Europe remains absolute priority for Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, President of Ukraine In his third address to the Assembly, President Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine recalled the importantance for the unity of Ukrainian society to pursue European integration while strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, especially Russia.   Ukraine currently holds the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and the President recognised his special responsibility for furthering institutional and political reform of the Organisation, and increasing the effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights. ...

Parliamentary Assembly 21/06/2011 Parliament of Morocco joins Council of Europe’s “common home” Abdelwahad RADI, President of the Chambre of Representatives of the Parliament of Morroco (center), Mohamed CHEIKH BIADILLAH, President of the Chambre of Advisors of the Parliament of Morroco (left), and Mevlüt Cavusoglu, President of the Parliamentary Assembly (right) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has granted the Parliament of Morocco ‘Partner for Democracy’ status – the first parliament to receive this particular recognition. The new status was introduced in 2010 to strengthen institutional co-operation with parliaments of non-member states in...

Chairman of the Committee of Ministers 20/06/2011 Ukraine Foreign Minister highlights “Common values – joint efforts” Kostyantyn Gryschenko, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, currently Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, says that Ukraine wants to see tolerant, open and mutually supportive societies based on respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, thrive across Europe. Speaking today to the Assembly, he said that Ukraine has agreed shared priorities for its period in office, with protection of children’s rights topping the list. The priorities will be continued by the UK and Albania – next in line to assume the six-month...

Media freedom 20/06/2011 European Broadcasting Union and Council of Europe join forces to promote media freedom and pluralism Thorbjørn Jagland at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in Bonn. Today the Council of Europe and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in Bonn. The Memorandum of Understanding defines shared objectives and values, in particular the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and creates a framework for strengthening and further developing the existing cooperation between the two organizations. In the media field, these objectives translate into action to...

Parliamentary Assembly 20/06/2011 Mevlüt Çavusoglu opens Assembly session Assembly President Mevlüt Çavusoglu “During this session, we will face a historic decision to grant the first ever ‘Partner for Democracy’ status to the parliament of a country beyond Europe’s geographical borders. The fact that this country is the Kingdom of Morocco gives this moment an even greater significance,” said Assembly President this morning at the opening of the summer session in Strasbourg. Mevlüt Çavusoglu once again called for a summit of heads of state and government to be held to put the recommendations of the report, ‘Living together –...

Venice Commission 20/06/2011 Venice Commission regrets shortcomings in Hungarian constitution-making process St. Marco cathedral - detail In its opinion, published today, the Venice Commission commends the adoption of a new Constitution, but regrets a number of shortcomings in the constitution-making process. Whilst cultural, religious, moral, socio-economic and financial policies would be better left to the ordinary political process, the Commission considers that more precise indications should be provided by the Constitution as regards guarantees for the main principles pertaining to key sectors, such as the judiciary, and to the protection of fundamental rights. The Commission hopes...

Assembly President 17/06/2011 Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu: too many deaths at sea President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu On the eve of World Refugee Day (20 June), Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), delivered the following message: “This World Refugee Day, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which defines who is a refugee, what rights they have, and how states must treat them. In times of economic hardship and political turmoil, this Convention stands as an enduring symbol of our humanity and our willingness to act together to help persons fleeing...

Commissioner for Human Rights 16/06/2011 Commissioner Hammarberg ends visit to Serbia Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg “Serbia is going through a transitional period, striving to overcome the legacy of the violent past, and to enhance social cohesion. More sustained and concerted efforts are necessary to redress the gross human rights violations of the war, eliminate discrimination and enhance media freedom” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg concluding today his four-day visit to the country. The Commissioner noted that ethnic depolarisation and reconciliation in the region cannot be achieved without justice for...

Fight against racism 16/06/2011 Council of Europe's Anti-Racism Commission publishes its 2010 annual report No racism Racism and intolerance are becoming rooted in European societies as the economic crisis gives strength to extremist messages, warns Europe's leading anti-racist body today. The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), which monitors the situation in each of the Council of Europe 47 member States, in its latest annual report says that racism is no longer limited to the fringes of society and that mainstream politicians are increasingly using xenophobic and anti-Muslim arguments and calling referenda targeting non-citizens and religious minorities....

Parliamentary Assembly 15/06/2011 Council of Europe and UN figures call for EU action against domestic violence José Mendes Bota, Chair of PACE’s Equal Opportunities Committee European Parliament Audiovisual Service Representatives from the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and the United Nations have called on all 27 member states of the European Union – and the EU itself – to sign up to the groundbreaking new Council of Europe Convention on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. José Mendes Bota, Chair of PACE’s Equal Opportunities Committee, said: “Violence against women is a human rights violation born out of unequal power relations...

Commissioner for Human Rights 14/06/2011 Austerity budgets tend to victimise the most vulnerable, says Commissioner Hammarberg Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg Radical austerity measures have been introduced in several European countries. Although governments have stated they will try to minimise the negative social impacts, it is already clear that there have been - and will be further – serious consequences for the most vulnerable groups: the very poor, persons with disabilities, the elderly and others in need of constant care, says the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. ...

Secretary General 14/06/2011 Secretary General writes to Prime Minister Berisha about local elections in Albania Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland In a letter to Prime Minister Berisha, Thorbjørn Jagland expressed his concern about the situation which followed the recent elections in Albania, and in particular the controversy related to the election of the mayor of Tirana. The Secretary General called for a genuine dialogue between Albanian political leaders, in order to overcome the political deadlock by respecting the rule of law and democratic principles. He also expressed his intention to ask the Venice commission for an opinion on how to avoid similar situations in...

Parliamentary Assembly 10/06/2011 Support for Arab democracies and situation in Tunisia to be debated at upcoming Assembly session Parliamentary Assembly chamber Addresses by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (Tuesday 21) and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan (Wednesday 22) will be among highlights of the summer plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on 20-24 June. Support for fledgling Arab democracies, the situation in Tunisia and sharing responsibilities for asylum seekers and refugees in Europe will also be debated,as well as the follow-up to the report of the Council of Europe Group of Eminent Persons.

Commissioner for Human Rights 08/06/2011 Commissioner Hammarberg: African migrants are drowning in the Mediterranean Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg Another boat carrying migrants from Libya capsized last week. At least 150 persons drowned, while others were saved by the Tunisian coast guard and fishing boats. In a similar tragedy in May, about 600 persons lost their lives. There are other reports about missing vessels with migrants on board and it is likely that the death toll for this year has now reached 1 400, or perhaps even more, says the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, in his latest Human Rights Comment published today.   ...

Secretary General 07/06/2011 London: Thorbjørn Jagland meets UK Foreign Secretary William Hague UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland today met with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague at the Foreign Office in London. Mr Hague and Mr Jagland agreed on the need for reform of the Council of Europe, and in particular reform of the European Court of Human Rights, which will be a priority of the UK chairmanship beginning in November. Both emphasised the importance of EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. "EU accession to the Court will close an important gap in the European legal...

Secretary General 06/06/2011 Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland meets President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland meets President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, met today with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, to discuss co-operation between the Council of Europe and Tajikistan. They agreed on continued dialogue in the framework of the Council of Europe policy on relations with countries in Europe’s neighbourhood. The dialogue, including at parliamentary level, will deal with a number of human rights issues - notably the protection of national...

Secretary General 05/06/2011 Azerbaijan's release of Fatullayev is important gesture Thorbjørn Jagland “I am pleased to receive news of the release of the editor and journalist Eynulla Fatullayev”, said Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland in his letter to President Aliyev of Azerbaijan. Mr Fatullayev’s liberation is an important gesture in terms of promoting freedom of the media in Azerbaijan, and it also enables implementation of the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights. Jagland also stressed the Council of Europe’s willingness to work with the authorities in Azerbaijan to ensure that protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,...

EuroDIG 2011 01/06/2011 "Freedom on the Internet: maximum rights, minimum restrictions" Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Secrétaire Générale adjointe Deputy Secretary General Maud de Boer-Buquicchio has said it is necessary to ensure freedom on the Internet, but also to protect vulnerable users by preventing and punishing all forms of abuse. Speaking in Belgrade, she stressed that the Council of Europe is in favour of ensuring a maximum of rights, a minimum of restrictions while ensuring an adequate level of security.

Commissioner for Human Rights 01/06/2011 ''Spain should build on good practice to improve integration of Roma people'' Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg “Over recent years, Spain has adopted constructive programmes to foster Roma integration. They should be consolidated and further developed, in particular as concerns access to employment, housing and education” said the Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg on 1 June, releasing a letter addressed to the Minister of Health, Social Policy and Equality of Spain, Leire Pajín. The letter follows up on the Commissioner’s visit to Spain from 4 to 6 April 2011.