Addressing the members of the 29th Plenary Session, Igor Crnadak, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted the huge efforts and solidarity provided by local authorities in the unprecedented flow of refugees which Europe has witnessed these last months. He called for the compassion and practical assistance for the refugees in order that each man, woman and child on European territory was guaranteed of his or her fundamental rights. “The Committee of Ministers underlined that addressing the crisis is a responsibility for all member States and called on them to intensify their efforts”, explained Mr Crnadak. Following on the Social inclusion, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers evoked an action plan on building inclusive societies which is currently under consideration by the Committee of Ministers and focuses on three main areas: education, combating intolerance and anti-discrimination. “More specific issues such as fighting the increasing poverty of women and the protection of children’s rights in times of austerity are also important questions to address in pursuing social inclusion”, stated Mr Crnadak. Referring to social inclusion issues in the context of austerity, he mentioned the new Strategy of the Council of Europe for the Rights of the Child, currently being prepared, and the Secretary General’s Thematic Action Plan on the inclusion of Roma and Travellers. Finally, the Minister congratulated the Congress on its commitment to promoting the participation of youth delegates in its activities. “The voice of the younger generation must be encouraged – it can be enlightening and innovative and bring a most valuable contribution to deliberations”, explained Mr Crnadak.
