Indholdsaggregater
Country visit
United Kingdom: backsliding on human rights must be prevented
“Legal reforms should not weaken human rights protections in the United Kingdom”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, following a five-day visit to the country (27 June to 1 July), which focused on the system for human rights protection, the situation...
Exhibition
LISTEN by War Childhood Museum: let’s make the voices of children affected by war heard
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, is hosting a pop-up exhibition to underline the necessity of having the voices of children affected by war heard. At the inauguration, the Commissioner stated that despite mentions of "never again", the war has been going on...
Speech
Beyond the Horizon: A New Era for the Rights of the Child
Intervention at Rome High-level Launching Conference for the launching of the new Strategy for the Rights of the Child 2022 – 2027 Your excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Co-panelists, dear Chair, dear children present here today, I first want to thank the Italian Presidency of the...
Statement
On International Women’s Day, let us stand with Ukrainian women and girls
“Ahead of International Women’s Day, my sympathy and profound solidarity go to Ukrainian women and girls who are caught up in a war waged with total disregard for human life and dignity. I pay my deepest respects to those of them who have been killed, and my thoughts are with those who have been...
Statement
Council of Europe member states must prioritise children’s rights every day
“On the occasion of World Children’s Day, I call on political leaders to ensure that children’s rights remain firmly on top of their agendas. Council of Europe member states must take all necessary measures to build strong societies for the future. This means investing in children from early...
Speech
Hearing of the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in the cases of H.F. and M.F. v. France and J.D. and A.D. v. France
Mr President, Distinguished members of the Court, I have decided to intervene in these cases because they concern an urgent situation, demanding urgent action. The situation faced by nationals of Council of Europe member states detained in the camps in North-East Syria is continuously...
Letter
Germany should pursue efforts to fully ensure children’s rights
In a letter addressed to Christine Lambrecht, the Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection and Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth of Germany, made public today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, urges the German...
Third party intervention
Commissioner publishes her observations on the repatriation of European nationals held in camps in North-East Syria
Today the Commissioner published her written observations submitted to the European Court of Human Rights as a third-party in the cases of H.F. and M.F. v. France and J.D. and A.D. v. France on the fate of European nationals held in camps in North-East Syria. The Commissioner considers that...
Letter
Bosnia and Herzegovina must urgently improve its migrant reception capacities, improve access to asylum and protect unaccompanied migrant children
In a letter published today, the Commissioner calls on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to address the persistent shortcomings in their handling of migrants and asylum seekers. The letter was addressed to Mr Zoran Tegeltija, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina,...
Statement
Member states must give renewed impetus to children’s rights
“The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened and widened pre-existing inequalities that undermine children’s ability to enjoy their human rights, including in terms of health, safety, education, and living conditions. There is a clear risk that COVID-19 will have adverse long-term effects on children and...
Rule 9
Czech authorities should adopt broader measures to end school segregation of Roma children
The Commissioner published today her submission to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2007 in the case of D.H. and Others v. the Czech Republic. This case relates to the violation of Article 14 of...
Rule 9
Bulgarian authorities should prevent forced evictions, tackle the stigmatisation and marginalisation of Roma and improve their access to adequate housing, including social housing
The Commissioner published today her submission to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of the judgment of 24 April 2012 by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Yordanova and Others v. Bulgaria. The case concerns the planned eviction of Roma...
Country visit report
The Republic of Moldova should ratify the Istanbul Convention, improve its response to hate speech and advance access to quality healthcare, affordable housing and social inclusion for all
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today a report on her visit to the Republic of Moldova in March this year – which included travel to Comrat (Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia) and Tiraspol - with recommendations on violence against women and...
Speech
PACE urgent debate on International obligations concerning the repatriation of children from war and conflict zones
Mr President, Mr. Rapporteur, Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me first to thank the Parliamentary Assembly for giving me the opportunity to address its plenary on this very important and sensitive issue. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Schennach on his report, which perfectly highlights the...
Statement
Realising children’s rights is not an option, it’s an obligation
We celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child today. Children finally became full bearers of human rights under international law thanks to this landmark Convention, the most widely ratified international treaty in the world. Countries have made substantial...
Statement
Latvia takes important step toward eliminating child statelessness
“I welcome the Latvian Parliament taking a decisive step toward eliminating child statelessness with the adoption of a law to grant automatic citizenship to children of “non-citizens” as of 1st January 2020, unless the parents opt for another nationality. This measure represents significant...
Statement
Step up action against statelessness
Statelessness is the root cause of countless human rights violations. Unfortunately, it is still widespread in Europe today as at least 600 000 people do not have a nationality or identity documents that make it possible to enjoy the benefits of a nationality. Having no nationality means you have...
Statement
Council of Europe member states should urgently repatriate their under-age nationals stranded in Northern Syria
The camp of Al-Hol in Northern Syria hosts more than 73 000 people, including citizens of Council of Europe member states, who live in squalid and hazardous conditions according to the World Health Organisation. 90% of those stranded in the camp with almost no access to health care are women and...
Third party intervention
The Commissioner intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights in a case concerning family reunification in Denmark
The Commissioner intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights in a case concerning family reunification in Denmark Today the Commissioner published her written observations submitted to the European Court of Human Rights in connection with the case of M.A. v. Denmark. This case concerns...
Country visit report
Report on Armenia recommends measures to improve women’s rights, protection of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups, and establishing accountability for past human rights violations
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published the report of her visit to Armenia carried out in September 2018. The report focuses on women’s rights, gender equality and domestic violence; the human rights of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups; and...
Letter
Commissioner provides evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the age of criminal responsibility
On 10 January 2019, the Commissioner provided evidence in the form of a letter to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee of the Scottish Parliament regarding the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Bill. In her letter, the Commissioner provides further clarification to the Committee...
Letter
Commissioner calls on the Czech Republic to ensure legislative changes do not harm inclusive education efforts
In a letter to the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Robert Plaga, published today, the Commissioner addresses proposed changes to Decree 27/2016 Coll. on the education of pupils with special education needs. The Commissioner expresses her...
Letter
Commissioner urges Scotland’s government to increase the age of criminal responsibility
In a letter addressed to Scotland’s Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd MSP, published today, the Commissioner calls for an increase in the age of criminal responsibility and stronger safeguards in the treatment of children who come into conflict with the law. “Children who come...
Country visit
Armenia’s new government should place human rights at the centre of its policies
“Armenia’s peaceful transfer of power in May 2018 has been truly remarkable. However, popular expectations are high that there will be tangible improvements to people’s lives, and the government should devote its attention to upholding the long-neglected rights of those who are most vulnerable”,...
Speech
Upholding the human rights of persons with disabilities in Armenia
The Commissioner delivered a keynote speech today at the closing conference “Social Rights of Persons with Disabilities” organised in Yerevan, Armenia. Download the speech CommDH/Speech(2018)6 (Pdf) Watch the video (Facebook) Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a real pleasure to be here...
Country visit report
Albania should continue improving child protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities
“The protection of children and inclusion of persons with disabilities has improved in Albania, but the authorities still have to address remaining shortcomings”, said today Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while releasing the report on her visit to the country...
Letter
Commissioner calls on Belgium not to resume detention of migrant children
The Commissioner published today a letter that she addressed to Mr Theo Francken, Secretary of State for Migration and Asylum of Belgium, in which she raises concerns about the possibility that migrant families with children may be detained in newly constructed closed detention units near...
Country visit
Albania should step up protection of children and inclusion of persons with disabilities
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, concluded her five-day visit to Albania which focused on children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and access to free legal aid. Concerning children’s rights, the Commissioner welcomes the authorities’...
Country visit
Slovak Republic: adopt a bolder approach to ensure inclusive education and strengthen the safety of journalists
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, concluded a visit to the Slovak Republic which focused on inclusive education of children with disabilities and Roma children. At the same time, since the visit took place shortly after the murder of investigative...
Country visit
Invest in education and language acquisition to build a cohesive society, says Commissioner Muižnieks in Skopje
“The Macedonian authorities should implement policies that encourage interaction and understanding between ethnic communities and promote social cohesion while protecting diversity,” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, after a five-day follow-up visit to “the...
Country visit report
Switzerland should reinforce its human rights protection framework and better respond to the needs of vulnerable migrants
Reinforcing the institutional and legal framework for safeguarding and promoting human rights and enhancing the protection of migrants and asylum seekers are the key recommendations addressed to the Swiss authorities by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, in a...
Position paper
School segregation still deprives many children of quality education
“The right to education is a fundamental human right. Yet, many European countries still deny thousands of children, including children with disabilities, Roma children and refugee or migrant children, equal access to it by keeping them in segregated schools. This is a violation of children’s...
Statement
Croatian government should reconsider the draft law on the Ombudsman for Children
“I understand that a draft law on the Ombudsman for Children, prepared by the Croatian Government, is scheduled to be debated today in the Croatian Parliament. Whereas the Constitutional Court’s decision which abolished the previous law has left a legal gap which needs to be filled, I am...
Country visit report
Slovenia should pursue its efforts to protect vulnerable people
“Slovenia has undertaken a number of initiatives in recent years to address major human rights issues concerning migrants, Roma, the “erased” and people living in poverty. It is crucial to reinforce these efforts to ensure that no one is left behind and the human rights of all are upheld”, said...
Country visit
Switzerland: Commissioner welcomes progress on asylum, but the most vulnerable need better protection
“I call on the Swiss authorities to stop detaining migrant children arriving at Swiss international airports. Children, with or without their families, do not belong in detention” said today Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, after a three-day visit (22-24 May)...
Joint statement
Embrace diversity and protect trans and gender diverse children and adolescents
Speaking ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May, a group of United Nations and international human rights experts* urge States and other stakeholders to protect trans and gender diverse** children and adolescents effectively from discrimination,...
Letter
Commissioner calls on Italy not to weaken the protection of children’s rights in the justice system
In a letter addressed to the President of the Italian Senate published today, the Commissioner expresses concerns about the bill on the efficiency of civil judicial proceedings. The planned transfer of juvenile justice competencies from specialised to ordinary courts and prosecution services...
Country visit report
Lithuania should strengthen the protection of women and children against violence and build a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities
“While considerable progress has been achieved in protecting human rights in recent years, the Lithuanian authorities still have to address some remaining shortcomings, in particular as regards the protection of women, children and persons with disabilities” said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe...
Country visit report
Ireland should remove obstacles to the equality of Travellers, women and children
“The Irish government should ensure that the economic upturn benefits the most vulnerable groups and should promote equality of Travellers, women and children by removing the barriers that disproportionately hinder them from fully enjoying their rights”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner...
Statement
Commissioner concerned about Hungary’s new law allowing automatic detention of asylum seekers
I am deeply concerned to learn that the Hungarian parliament has approved yesterday a Bill on border management, which is likely to exacerbate the already highly problematic situation of asylum seekers in Hungary. As reported, the adopted Bill would allow the automatic detention of all asylum...
Statement
Luxembourg should not extend the period of detention of migrant children but work to eliminate the practice
I have learned with concern that the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies, in its examination of Bill No. 6992 on the free movement of persons and immigration and on the holding centre, is considering extending the maximum period for the detention of migrant children and their families to seven days....
Country visit
Monaco must consolidate the progress achieved in protecting the rights of children, people with disabilities and LGBTI persons
“Monaco has made significant progress in recent years in the protection of human rights. However, this progress must be consolidated by further improving protection of the rights of the most vulnerable, such as children, people with disabilities and LGBTI persons, and by strengthening the...
Letter
Belgium urged not to resume detention of migrant children and to expand alternatives to immigration detention for families with children
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Migration and Asylum of Belgium, Mr Theo Francken, published today, Commissioner Muižnieks warns against resuming the practice of detaining migrant families with children. Referring to the Secretary of State’s recent general policy statement,...
Country visit report
Latvia urged to ensure gender equality and foster an inclusive society
“Latvia has achieved considerable progress in adopting legislation and policies which comply with human rights standards, but the authorities must engage in more sustained efforts to bridge the remaining gaps, in particular those which still hinder gender equality and more effective protection...
Visit to Lithuania
Lithuania: ensure better protection for persons with disabilities, children and victims of domestic violence
“I welcome the commitment expressed by the authorities to move away from the practice of placing children without parental care and people with disabilities in institutions. However, many persons continue to live in an institutional environment. The authorities should intensify their efforts to...
Country visit
Ireland: advance equality of Travellers and women
“I am deeply concerned at the persisting social exclusion and discrimination Travellers are confronted with in Ireland”, said the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks today, concluding a three-day visit to the country. With Travellers having been affected in a gravely...
Country visit
Andorra: sustain progress on children and women’s rights and bolster human rights structures
“Andorra has a very advanced system of inclusive education, whereby all children, including those with disabilities and from migrant families, learn together with other children and are supported as necessary. However, further efforts are required to enhance the overall protection of children’s...