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Opinion editorial
Eastern Ukraine: the humanity behind the headlines
The government in Kyiv, aid organisations and the international community must work together to address the humanitarian crisis created by the fighting in the east.
Report on visit to Hungary
Hungary: progress needed on media freedom, anti-discrimination measures and migrants’ rights
“Hungary should better ensure media freedom, combat widespread intolerance and discrimination, and improve the protection of the human rights of migrants” said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while releasing a report based on the findings of his July visit...
Statement
Commissioner concerned about arrest of journalists in Turkey
I am following with deep concern the events unfolding in Turkey. The arrest yesterday of journalists and media workers is a serious setback for media freedom in the country. Irrespective of the reasons which may have motivated them, such measures are disproportionate and unnecessary in a...
International Human Rights Day
Roma inclusion is mission possible
“In my two-and-a-half years in office, I have encountered one serious human rights problem in practically every member state - the prolonged exclusion and discrimination of the Roma population. This holds true whether the country is rich or poor, lies within or outside the European Union, and...
Publication of an Issue Paper
Do not switch human rights off
Issue Paper “The Internet and digital environment are not virtual worlds when it comes to human rights. Standards and principles that apply offline must also be upheld online” said today Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, releasing a report on the application of...
Visit to Ukraine
Conflict in eastern Ukraine has dire impact on human rights
“The armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has had devastating effects on the human rights of the population. The humanitarian situation is also extremely difficult and people continue to suffer greatly” stated today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, following a visit...
Report on mission to Kyiv, Moscow and Crimea
In Crimea serious human rights violations and attacks on minorities and journalists require urgent action
Report “All cases of serious human rights violations that have occurred in Crimea[1] since February 2014, including the recent cases of abductions, must be effectively investigated and those responsible held accountable. Urgent steps must also be taken to ensure minority rights and security, as...
Visit to Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan: Stop reprisals against human rights defenders
“The targeting of human rights defenders in Azerbaijan must stop” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, at the end of a two-day visit to the country. “The urgency of this visit was dictated by the arrest and detention over last summer of virtually all the...
Country visit report
Migrants’ and children’s rights need better protection in the Netherlands
“The Netherlands has a solid human rights protection system, but in practice there are shortcomings, in particular as concerns migrants and children, that need to be addressed” said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while releasing the report on his visit to...
Country visit
Armenia should address gender inequality and enhance the independence of the judiciary
“Much remains to be done in Armenia towards ensuring the equal protection of human rights of women and men”, said the Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, at the end of a 5-day visit to Armenia. “The adoption in 2013 of a Law on Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women and...
Opinion article
Europe, Wake up!
In an opinion editorial published yesterday by New Europe, the Commissioner calls for a change in European migration policy, in order to make it more humane and human rights compliant. “Just a few days ago more than 700 people died in two shipwrecks near Malta and off the coast of Libya. Stories...
Visit to France
France must keep its promises concerning equality
“Despite efforts to implement the principle of equality in France, many forms of discrimination remain and show that a number of the Republic’s major undertakings are still to be honoured in this vital area for social cohesion and human rights”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human...
Mission to Kyiv, Moscow and Simferopol
Human rights abuses in Crimea need to be addressed
“Cases of serious human rights violations, including killings, enforced disappearances, severe physical ill-treatment and arbitrary detention in Crimea[1] since March 2014 have to be addressed" said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, at the end of a mission to Kyiv,...
Statement
Concerns over the situation of human rights defenders in Azerbaijan
The arrest of Rasul Jafarov and the travel ban imposed on Emin Huseynov provide yet another disturbing illustration of how human rights defenders in Azerbaijan are systematically threatened with an instrumental use of criminal suits. These cases happen shortly after the arrest of Leyla Yunus and...
Opinion article
Safeguarding human rights in the fight against terrorism
In an opinion editorial published today by New Europe, the Commissioner underscores the importance of safeguarding human rights in the fight against terrorism. “Anti-terror policies and actions must become more human-rights compliant. By doing so, state security is not reduced. On the contrary,...
Letter to the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office
Commissioner expresses concern over NGOs in Hungary
“The stigmatizing rhetoric used in Hungary against non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the field of promoting human rights and democratic values, with politicians questioning the legitimacy of their work, is of great concern to me” said today Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe...
Letter to the Prime Minister
Ukraine: urgent action needed to protect internally displaced persons
“I am deeply concerned about the situation of internally displaced people in Ukraine. Many of the IDPs, who include women, children, and persons with disabilities, are traumatised by the hostilities and need special care. The government must urgently develop a coordinated response at the central...
Report on visit to Romania
Vulnerable groups require better protection in Romania
“Romania must show a much stronger commitment to effectively protecting the human rights of persons with disabilities, children and Roma”, said today Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, releasing a report on his visit to Romania from 31 March to 4 April 2014....
Visit to Hungary
Hungary should do more for the human rights of Roma, migrants and persons with disabilities
"The impact of recent changes in the legal framework in Hungary on human rights has attracted considerable international criticism. While some of the issues raised in that context have been addressed, the situation of vulnerable groups in the country remains of serious concern” said today Nils...
Country visit report
Montenegro: overcoming wartime legacy and strengthening media freedoms remain priorities
“Montenegro has an important role in regional efforts to establish the truth about serious human rights violations committed during the wars of the 1990s in the region of former Yugoslavia. However, impunity for wartime crimes and access to adequate reparations for all war victims remain issues...