News
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...
Letter
Bulgaria: improve protection from violence against women and domestic violence
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria published today, Commissioner Mijatović calls on the Bulgarian authorities to improve the legal and institutional protection of victims of violence against women and domestic violence. The Commissioner stresses...
Country visit report
Austria: improve reception and integration of migrants and protection of women’s rights
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report following her visit to Austria carried out in December 2021, with recommendations on improving the reception and integration of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and on strengthening women’s...
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...
Country report
Malta: High time for justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia and for reforms to safeguard media freedom and better protect the rights of migrants and women
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report on her visit to Malta carried out in October 2021, with recommendations on safeguarding media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists, protecting the lives and dignity of refugees, asylum...
Country visit
Austria should step up efforts to protect women’s rights and gender equality and improve the reception and integration of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants
“Austria has taken significant steps to combat violence against women but, as the high number of femicides and the emergence of new digital dimensions of violence show, increased and better co-ordinated efforts are required,” said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović...
Speech
Combating violence against women in a digital age utilising the Istanbul Convention: GREVIO General Recommendation No.1 on the Digital Dimension of Violence against Women
Dear GREVIO members, Distinguished speakers, Colleagues and friends, Let me begin by congratulating GREVIO on the adoption of General Recommendation No.1 on the digital dimension of violence against women. I wish to extend my congratulations to all the experts and actors who worked on this...
Third Party Intervention
Commissioner intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning abortion rights in Poland
Today the Commissioner published her written observations to the European Court of Human Rights as a third party in the cases of K.B. v. Poland and 3 other applications, K.C. v. Poland and 3 other applications and A.L. - B. v. Poland and 3 other applications concerning abortion rights in Poland....
Letter
Slovak Republic: Parliament should reject bill that restricts access to safe and legal abortion services
Today the Commissioner published a letter she had sent to the National Council of the Slovak Republic in which she raises concerns about a draft law currently under discussion that would introduce restrictions on access to safe and legal abortion services. For the third time in three years, the...
Country visit
Reforms needed to better protect journalists’ safety and the rights of migrants and women in Malta
“Implementing the recommendations of the public inquiry report which found that the state must bear responsibility for Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination should be a top priority for the government”, said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, following a...
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
Slovak Republic: the government should deliver justice to victims of forced sterilisation through a compensation mechanism
In a letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice of the Slovak Republic, published today, the Commissioner calls on the government to set up a mechanism to ensure prompt and effective access to reparations for victims of forced or coercive sterilisation. This is a long-standing...
Letter
The Senate of the Czech Republic should adopt the draft law on compensation for victims of forced sterilisation
In a letter to the Senate of the Czech Republic, published today, the Commissioner expresses her support for the adoption of the Proposal for a law for a one-off financial compensation for victims of unlawful sterilisation. In her letter, she follows up on her dialogue with the Czech Chamber of...
Country Memorandum
Portugal should act more resolutely to tackle racism and continue efforts to combat violence against women
In a memorandum published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, called on the authorities of Portugal to address more resolutely the increasing level of racism in the country, as well as to take additional steps to prevent and combat violence against women...
Statement
Turkey’s announced withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention endangers women’s rights
“Turkey’s Presidential Decree published on 20 March announcing the withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is an ill-advised decision. It undermines women’s rights and sends the wrong signal to all women in Turkey...
Speech
Violence against Women and Girls in France
Conference held by the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for inviting me to open this webinar on a topic which has been very high on my agenda since the beginning of my mandate in 2018. Violence against women and domestic violence are human...
Statement
Stop cyberviolence against women and girls
“Cyberviolence against women is an increasing problem in Europe. It can take many forms, including (sexual) harassment, revenge porn and threats of rape, sexual assault or murder. Perpetrators can be partners or ex-partners, colleagues, schoolmates or, as is often the case, anonymous...
Speech
Introductory remarks at the exchange of views with PACE Standing Committee
Dear PACE members, It is a pleasure to meet with you today, although only from cyberspace. I would have preferred to get together with you last April at your plenary session to discuss my annual report. Regrettably, the pandemic made it impossible and I was only able to circulate my report...
Speech
Structural inequality as the root of violence against women
Annual conference of the WAVE network (Women Against Violence Europe) Dear organisers, dear participants, Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about these issues which are so high on my agenda. 1. I would like to reflect first on some recent attempts to undermine women’s rights....
Letter
Czech Republic: The Chamber of Deputies should seize the opportunity to deliver justice to victims of forced sterilisations
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, made public today, the Commissioner invites parliamentarians to ensure that the consideration of the bill on the compensation of victims of forced and coercive sterilisations extends beyond the first reading...
Letter
Commissioner urges the Slovak Parliament to reject bill which would further restrict women’s access to their sexual and reproductive health and rights
Today the Commissioner published a letter in which she raises concerns about a draft law currently under discussion in the National Council of the Slovak Republic which would introduce restrictions on access to safe and legal abortion services. The letter was sent on 7 September to the Speaker of...
Statement
The Commissioner urges President of Poland to veto the amendments to the Medical Professions Act
“I regret that the amendments to Poland’s Medical Professions Act adopted on 16 July by the lower house of the Polish parliament, the Sejm, fail to explicitly oblige healthcare providers to refer patients to an alternative and willing provider in the event of the refusal of a medical service on...
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...
Statement
COVID-19: Ensure women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights
It is already clear that the pandemic will deepen existing gender inequalities, given women’s over-representation in professions (and other unpaid activities) which expose them to a high risk of infection and in low-paid and precarious jobs which will be particularly badly affected by the ensuing...
Statement
Commissioner urges Poland’s Parliament to reject bills that restrict women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights and children’s right to sexuality education
“It is with dismay that I have learned that Poland’s Parliament’s lower house plans to resume this week the examination of two citizens’ bills that aim to restrict women’s access to safe and legal abortion care and children’s right to sexuality education. I urge the Parliament to reject both...
Country visit report
Stronger commitment needed to combat racism, fight gender stereotypes and increase media freedom in Bulgaria
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published a report on the visit to Bulgaria she carried out in November 2019. The report focuses on racism, intolerance and discrimination; violence against women and domestic violence; and media freedom. The Commissioner...
Country visit
The Republic of Moldova should ratify the Istanbul Convention, strengthen protection against hate speech and improve access to quality healthcare and social housing
“The Republic of Moldova has made commendable progress in aligning its legislation on women’s rights and domestic violence with international standards and worked gradually to strengthen its implementation on many levels. A speedy ratification of the Istanbul Convention will send a strong message...
Statement
Let us all rise to the challenge of making a world where gender equality is a reality
Ahead of International Women’s Day 2020, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović issued the following statement today: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is saddening to note that most...
Rule 9
The Polish authorities need to take adequate measures to ensure access to lawful abortion
The Commissioner published today her submission to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of the judgments handed down by the European Court of Human Rights in three cases against Poland. Each of these cases relates to one of the three different situations...
Country visit
Bulgaria should counter harmful narratives endangering human rights and step up efforts to fight hate speech and domestic violence
“The government should step up its efforts to fight the hate speech prevailing today in Bulgaria in particular against Roma, LGBTI people and other minority groups” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, today after a 5-day visit to the country. Hate speech and...
Letter
Commissioner calls on Slovak parliament to reject retrogressive measures on access to safe and legal abortion care
The Commissioner published a letter sent to the National Council of the Slovak Republic today, in which she calls on the National Council of the Slovak Republic to reject a legislative proposal which would restrict existing access to safe and legal abortion care. The tabled proposal would...
Statement
Speak up against sexist hate speech
“Sexist hate speech is a long-standing problem in Europe which has acquired a new dimension in recent years with the rising popularity of social media platforms. Threats of murder, sexual assault or rape occur daily offline and online. To prevent and combat gender-based violence against women...
Country visit report
Poland’s authorities should shield judges from pressure, actively protect women’s rights and step up policies for gender equality
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published a report on the visit to Poland she carried out from 11 to 15 March 2019. The report focuses on the independence of the judiciary and the prosecution service, women’s sexual and reproductive rights, gender...
Speech
Women’s rights at the crossroads: strengthening international co-operation to close the gap between legal frameworks and their implementation
Conference organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, its causes and consequences and with the French Presidency of the Committee of Ministers International co-operation was at the heart of developing the concept of...
Country visit report
Hungary should address interconnected human rights issues in refugee protection, civil society space, independence of the judiciary and gender equality
“Human rights violations in Hungary have a negative effect on the whole protection system and the rule of law. They must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” says Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, in a report published today on her visit to Hungary in February...
Country visit
Poland should restore necessary guarantees for independence of judges and prosecutors, prevent regression on women’s rights and combat gender stereotypes
“Modern European democracies cannot function without truly independent judiciaries. Poland’s authorities should take further steps to restore full independence of the judiciary and act to resolve discord and deadlock that continue to affect the functioning and the credibility of some of the...
Women's Day
We need to stand up for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights
Ahead of International Women’s Day 2019, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović issued the following statement today: “Women’s rights are human rights and gender equality is a fundamental value of our societies, enshrined in human rights treaties. Nevertheless, progress...
Country visit report
Romania should improve the implementation of laws and ensure funding to effectively protect the rights of persons with disabilities and protect women from violence
“There are systemic obstacles which seriously hinder the effective protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in Romania”, said today Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, publishing the report on her visit to the country in November 2018. The report focuses...
Joint Statement
OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights urge systematic approach to counter gender-based violence online
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, together with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, today opened the Safety of Female Journalists Online (#SOFJO) conference: Increasing Opportunities for Freedom of Expression and Media Plurality....
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...
Statement
Fulfil the promise of a comprehensive response to violence against women
“All women and girls have the right to live free from violence. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence – 22% at the hands of their partner. More than half of all women have been sexually harassed with 20% of young women reporting...
Country visit
Romania should improve the protection of persons with disabilities, combat violence against women, safeguard press freedom and maintain the independence of the judiciary
“Romania needs to strengthen its institutional framework to better protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and should step up the efforts to combat violence against women,” said today Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, at the end of her five-day visit to...
Country visit report
Estonia should adopt more human rights oriented policies to improve the protection of women and the inclusion of older persons
“To build a more cohesive society, the Estonian authorities should strengthen the protection of women from violence, close the gender pay gap and uphold the rights of older people”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, while releasing today the report on her...
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”,...
Country visit
Estonia: human rights should steer policies for women, older persons, minorities
“Estonia has been developing at a fast pace, but some people in the country risk being left behind. To achieve a more inclusive society, Estonia should combat discrimination and abuses against older persons, tackle the gender pay gap and violence against women, and devote more efforts to building...
Statement
Commissioner urges Poland’s Parliament to reject bill which restricts access to abortion care
"I am deeply concerned to learn that this week the Polish Sejm pursued the examination of a bill called “Stop Abortion”, prepared by a group of citizens", said Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. "Poland has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe,...
International Women's Day
No excuse should obstruct the ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention
In a message to mark International Women’s Day 2018, the Commissioner underlines that politicians and opinion makers should promote an honest and well-informed public debate about the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul...
Speech
Commissioner calls for more efforts towards women’s equality
In an address at the European Parliament on 1 March 2018, the Commissioner warns against complacency and backsliding in women’s rights in Europe and invites members of the European Parliament to add their voice to the call for laws, policies and behaviour that respect women’s dignity. He also...
Letter
Commissioner calls on the Bulgarian Parliament to ratify the Istanbul Convention
In a letter addressed to the President of the Parliament of Bulgaria published today, Commissioner Muižnieks urged Bulgaria to move quickly forward on its path towards the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence...