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Speech
Between erosion and hope, aspects of human rights in Serbia today
Transcript of remarks by Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, at the side event “Fundamental Freedoms Under Pressure: Human Rights and Accountability in Serbia”, organised by the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council....
Memorandum
Georgia: Council of Europe Commissioner calls for accountability of law enforcement and expresses concerns regarding mounting restrictions on democratic freedoms
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, released today a memorandum asking the Georgian authorities to make progress in ensuring accountability for the disproportionate use of force against protesters and to reverse legislation curtailing freedom of assembly,...
Memorandum
Türkiye: Council of Europe Commissioner calls for reforms to protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and judicial independence
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, released a memorandum today addressing freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and aspects of the administration of justice in Türkiye, following his visit to the country in December 2025. Ensuring freedom of...
Country visit
Georgia: Commissioner O’Flaherty calls for law enforcement accountability, repeal of restrictive ‘foreign influence’ laws and sustained support for the human rights of internally displaced persons
Following his visit to Georgia from 14 to 15 April 2026, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, issued the following end-of-visit statement, which should be considered in conjunction with his previous interventions: The Commissioner’s visit to Georgia focused on...
Statement
Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
“I am concerned by the proposed amendments to seven different laws, which if adopted, would impose significant restrictions on civil society organisations. These proposals are inconsistent with Georgia’s obligations under international law to guarantee the right to freedom of association. I ask...
Country visit
Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of human rights standards on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a visit to Türkiye from 1-5 December 2025, during which he discussed the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and aspects of the administration of justice. The Commissioner expresses his...
Third party intervention
Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in ECtHR case on Georgia’s ‘Foreign influence’ law
Commissioner O’Flaherty published today his written observations in the case of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and Others v. Georgia, currently pending before the European Court of Human Rights. The case, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and four individuals,...
Speech
Externalised migration policies, Roma and Travellers and pressure on civil society discussed with the Committee of Ministers
The Commissioner held an exchange of views with the Committee of Ministers on Wednesday 3 September. Below is the published version of his introductory remarks: Dear President, dear ambassadors, It is a great pleasure to be back with you. I look forward to meeting those of you who are new to your...
Letter
Commissioner asks Hungary’s Parliament not to adopt law that stifles civil society
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting the Draft Law on Transparency of Public Life unless it is amended to comply with international human rights law, notably freedom of expression and association,...
Letter
The Slovak Parliament should not adopt legislation that threatens civil society
In a letter addressed to the Slovak Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting a draft law on non-profit organisations or any amendments which are not fully in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. Following a letter about the draft law...
Country visit
Georgia: Protect freedom of assembly and expression, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end stigmatisation of NGOs and LGBTI people
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, visited Georgia from 21 to 23 January 2025. He expresses his gratitude to the Georgian authorities for their cooperation and for the open discussions. During the visit he engaged extensively with authorities and civil...
Letter
The Commissioner asks the Italian Senate to amend the ‘security bill’ to safeguard human rights
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate of Italy, published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks members of the Senate to refrain from adopting Bill 1236 on public security, unless it is substantially amended to ensure that it complies with Council of Europe human rights standards....
Third party intervention
Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in a case concerning freedom of expression and association in Hungary
Commissioner O’Flaherty has published today his written observations in the case of Hungarian Helsinki Committee v. Hungary which is currently pending before the European Court of Human Rights. The case relates to the introduction of Article 353/A of the Hungarian Criminal Code in June 2018 and...
Letter
Slovak Republic: new draft laws risk having a chilling effect on civil society and interfering with independence of public service media
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic (Parliament) and several Committee chairpersons, published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expresses concerns about the compatibility of two draft laws...
Letter
Georgia: concerns about the compatibility of the draft law “On transparency of foreign influence” with the rights to freedom of association and expression
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty expresses concerns about the compatibility of the draft law “On transparency of foreign influence” with the human rights standards in the field of freedom of association and expression, and...
Country visit report
Serbia: step up efforts to face the past, safeguard freedom of expression and assembly and protect women from violence
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report following her visit to Serbia in March 2023, with recommendations focusing on transitional justice and dealing with the past, freedom of expression and assembly and women’s rights and gender equality. ...
Letter
Bosnia and Herzegovina: the authorities of Republika Srpska should refrain from further restricting the rights of NGOs
In a letter addressed to the President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, raises concerns about the Draft Law on Special Registry and Transparency of the Work of Non-Profit...
Statement
Oleg Orlov's trial is a travesty of justice
“Oleg Orlov's trial which begins tomorrow, is a travesty of justice that shows contempt for the most basic human rights”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. “Oleg Orlov - a prominent human rights defender and long-time partner of my office – faces a...