Back German Minister Michael Roth: "Cooperation at all levels of government is key to tackling Covid-19 effectively and safeguarding human rights”

German Minister Michael Roth:

German Minister of State for Europe speaking on behalf of the German Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe stressed the unique role of local and regional authorities in facing COVID-19.

“Local and regional authorities are at the forefront when it comes to decision-making on how to deal with the pandemic. They have to strike the right balance between public health needs, social and economic consequences and restrictions to fundamental rights. This comes with a great deal of responsibility and only works if decisions find acceptance among the public” stated Mr. Roth.

“Local and regional authorities, especially in Germany’s federal system, enjoy a great deal of autonomy when it comes to deciding which measures are appropriate in order to protect those particularly at risk of a life-threatening course of Covid-19 and maintaining the functioning of the health care system. They implement these measures” he said underlining the importance to reach an optimal balance between measures at the federal, the regional and the local level.

"The Athens Declaration issued on the 4th of November, the day of the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, reinforced the importance of safeguarding human rights, rule of law and democracy under exceptional circumstances such as states of emergency” stated Mr. Roth. “Consultation between, cooperation among and inclusion of relevant stakeholders and decision-makers is key to tackling Covid-19 effectively and safeguarding human rights” he concluded.

The event “Covid-19: local and regional authorities on the front line” was held remotely on the 7 December 2020, with the participation of Marija Pejčinović-Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Anders Knape, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

Marija Pejčinović-Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Anders Knape, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and Kostas Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens took part in the meeting.

 

*** "COVID-19: Local and regional authorities on the front line" event - 7 December 2020 ***
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Event Covid-19 Remote meeting 7 December 2020
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