Newsroom of DG Democracy and Human Dignity
Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine launched
The Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU) is holding its first meeting in Strasbourg on 30 November - 1 December 2023, bringing together over 85 participants (in person and online) to discuss ways to effectively protect the rights of millions of Ukrainian children...
History teaching challenged by limited time, curriculum overload and teaching pressures, new Council of Europe report reveals
The first general report by the Council of Europe Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE), released in Strasbourg today, highlights teachers' concerns that crowded curriculums and teaching pressures are the greatest obstacles to history teaching in Europe. The report, presented at the...
Statement by Dominique Hasler, President of the Committee of Ministers and Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
How the Istanbul Convention is saving lives
As we approach the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, sobering statistics remind us of the urgent need to stop this violence, and a landmark treaty is proving increasingly successful to do just that: the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating...
Last meeting of the CDDG: taking stock of achievements and adoption of reports on green public administration and multilevel governance
The European Committee on Democracy and Governance (CDDG) is holding on 23 and 24 November its 18th and last meeting since its creation nine years ago. Ambassador Svetlana Geleva, Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Rapporteur Group on Democracy, Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of Congress and...
European day against child sexual abuse: stronger engagement with victims and survivors needed to stop stigmatisation and prevent further crime, says Secretary General
Ahead of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (18 November), Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has called on Council of Europe member states to step up their engagement with victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence to help...
12th plenary session of the Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP)
The CDCPP will hold its 12th plenary session in Strasbourg on 15-17 November 2023. Members of the Committee will discuss, inter alia, the follow-ups to the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers of Culture (Strasbourg, 1 April 2022) and the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government...
World Forum for Democracy: ‘Democracy = Peace?’
From Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 November, at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the World Forum for Democracy is bringing together intellectuals, politicians, activists, experts and young people from all over the world to debate how democracy can give better guarantees of peace. The event’s title...
Transformative power of education: universal values and civic renewal – Ministerial Conference in Strasbourg
The renewal of education's civic mission, education in times of emergency and crisis, and harnessing the potential of digital transformation in education are the main themes of the 26th Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education held in Strasbourg on September 28-29. The...
European Day of Languages 2023: a Day to highlight Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity
Every year since 2001 the European Day of Languages (EDL) celebrates the wealth of languages coexisting in Europe and beyond. Over 225 languages are native to Europe alone, not including languages that arrived on the continent through migration. “The European Day of Languages reminds us that...
International Day of Democracy: Secretary General opens the first Exchange of views with Civil Society
“Civil society is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy”, highlighted Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, quoting the Reykjavík Principles of Democracy at the opening of the first regular exchange of views with Civil Society, on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. “The...
Deliberative Democracy: First International Standard Adopted by the Council of Europe!
The Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on Deliberative Democracy, adopted on 6 September 2023, has become the first international standard in this field. The Recommendation contributes to the implementation of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, in...
Good Democratic Governance: a New Standard for the Council of Europe Member States
Today's decision by the Committee of Ministers to adopt Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)5 to member states on the principles of good democratic governance establishes the first international legal instrument in this field. The Recommendation gives meaning to the call of Heads of State and Government,...
New Council of Europe Recommendation aims to strengthen national reporting systems for professionals on violence against children
The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers has adopted a new Recommendation to member States on strengthening reporting systems on violence against children. Often underreported and undetected, violence against children remains widespread. Professionals working with children frequently face...
Cultural heritage, cornerstone of European construction
European Heritage Days 2023
Living Heritage is the pan-European theme for the 2023 European Heritage Days. Tens of thousands of events taking place in 48 participating countries will showcase the vibrancy, diversity and significance of cultural traditions, knowledge, and skills in Europe. Organised jointly by the Council of...
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Green skills for Youth: towards a sustainable world
“On International Youth Day (12 August), recalling the Council of Europe Reykjavík Declaration on the need to protect our environment, I call on our member states to ensure young people are given every opportunity to enjoy their human rights and to live a life in dignity by creating new green...
Environmental sustainability: a priority for social inclusion
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) works hard to keep the environmental footprint of its social investments as light as possible. Not only is this essential for our planet, but the Bank believes that social inclusion and progress on the environment, particularly climate action, go hand...
Against multiple crises backdrop, the fight against human trafficking must remain high on all stakeholders’ agenda, says GRETA
Multiple crises, conflicts and the climate emergency increase vulnerabilities to human trafficking and diversify trafficking risks, which is why governments and other stakeholders must allocate adequate attention and resources to combating it. This is the message from the Inter-Agency...
26th session of the Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education
The 26th session of the Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education will be held on September 28 and 29, 2023, in Strasbourg, France. The main themes are the renewal of education's civic mission, education in times of emergency and crises, and harnessing the potential of...
The European Union deposited the instrument of approval of the Istanbul Convention
Today, in the presence of Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ambassador Mårten Ehnberg, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the Council of Europe (Presidency-in-office of the Council of the European Union), and Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality,...
Lanzarote Committee launches new monitoring round on the protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust
Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse affects children in every country. The majority of abuse occurs in the child’s circle of trust, and in many cases is never reported to the police or victim support services. At its 38th meeting (30 May - 2 June 2023), the Committee of the Parties (Lanzarote...
France ratifies the Macolin Convention
The instrument of ratification by France of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (CETS No. 215), also known as the Macolin Convention was registered this day, 21 June 2023, by the Treaty office of the Council of Europe. France thus becomes the 9th State...
Sweden ratifies the Saint-Denis Convention
The instrument of ratification by Sweden of the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events (CETS Nº 218), also known as the Saint-Denis Convention, has been registered by the Treaty office of the Council of...
Conference on men and boys in gender equality policies
The Council of Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland teamed up to host the annual conference of the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) on 27-28 April 2023 in Strasbourg. This year's conference, organized within the framework of the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers...
The place of men and boys in gender equality policies: Council of Europe guidelines adopted
The Council of Europe has adopted a set of Guidelines on the place of men and boys in gender equality policies and in policies to combat violence against women. The Guidelines detail the range of measures member States should take: focusing on men and boys as agents of change and on countering...
Italy ratifies the Additional Protocol to the Anti-Doping Convention
This 5 June2023, Italy deposits the instrument of ratification of the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention ETS No. 188). Italy is the 30th State to ratify the Additional Protocol, which will enter into force in respect of Italy on 1 October 2023. The Additional...
International Conference “The Nicosia Convention: a criminal justice response to offences relating to cultural property”
The International Conference “The Nicosia Convention: a criminal justice response to offences relating to cultural property”, organised by the Council of Europe together with the Latvian authorities in the framework of the Presidency of Latvia to the Committee of Ministers to the Council of...
Council of Europe celebrates International Children’s Day by launching a new video on Barnahus
1 June is International Children’s Day aimed at promoting and celebrating children’s rights, their well-being, and addressing challenges they face. Your browser does not support JavaScript! JavaScript is needed to display this video player! On this occasion, the Council of Europe is launching a...
Statutes of limitation for sexual offences against children and “age of consent” in Council of Europe member states
In the context of an ongoing debate and diverse approaches to statutes of limitations in respect of sexual offences against children and the legal age for sexual activities, commonly known as the “age of consent”, in Council of Europe member states, the Lanzarote Committee (Committee of the...
Minorités nationales au Royaume-Uni : les experts européens signalent des niveaux inquiétants d’antitsiganisme et la nécessité de soutenir davantage les minorités linguistiques
L’organe d’experts du Conseil de l’Europe sur les droits des minorités nationales a mis en évidence la persistance inquiétante de l’antitsiganisme au Royaume-Uni, ainsi que le harcèlement à caractère racial et ethnique dans les écoles. Les minorités linguistiques ont également besoin de plus de...
AND THE AUDENTIA AWARD WINNER IS…
Eurimages and Beldocs reveal the winner of the 8th edition of the prestigious Audentia Award for Best Female Director
Heads of State and Government from Council of Europe member states united to take action on the situation of children of Ukraine
Today at the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe, Heads of State and Government from the organisation’s 46 member states have adopted a Declaration on the situation of children of Ukraine as part of the Reykjavik Declaration “United around our values”. The Summit hosted by the Icelandic...
Youth work in time of war in Ukraine
What impact is Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine having on young people in the country and on the way youth work is conducted? This question and the support that the Council of Europe has been providing to youth work in Ukraine, are the subject of a series of short documentaries first...
All In Plus: Promoting greater gender equality in sport
Gender equality is a fundamental principle and essential aim for both the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU). The CoE and the EU are pursuing their co-operation in the field of gender equality in sport in the framework of the joint project “All In Plus” (March 2023 – March 2025)....
9th World Summit on Arts and Culture
The 9th World Summit on Arts and Culture, co-hosted by the Swedish Arts Council and IFACCA, is scheduled to take place in Stockholm (Sweden) from 3-5 May 2023. The Summit will bring together leading policy makers, researchers, managers and practitioners from the arts, culture, and related sectors...
Good Democratic Governance Goes Green
Green Public Administration is when considerations for sustainability, long-term orientation, environment and climate change are incorporated into decision-making at all levels of governance. “Turning public administration green” also means formulating a vision to be shared with and by the people...
Presentation of the "Free to Create, Create to be Free“ digital exhibition and the Report on freedom of artistic expression at the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media
The Council of Europe exhibition "Free to Create, Create to be Free“ will be presented by its curator Dr Katalin Krasznahorkai, to the Parliamentarians present at the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, to be held on 25 April in Strasbourg....
Secretary General meets Icelandic Minister for Education and Children
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Icelandic Minister for Education and Children Ásmundur Einar Dadason. The conversation focused on the Icelandic Presidency’s support to the Council of Europe’s work for children and for integrating a youth perspective in...
Despite Finland’s high standards for protecting children against sexual violence and guaranteeing their well-being, some gaps remain
A new joint document developed by the Council of Europe and ECPAT International presented in Helsinki today highlights the need for more resources to identify and support victims of child sexual exploitation, including from the most vulnerable groups. While acknowledging the comprehensive...
Adoption of the Council of Europe Recommendation on Library legislation and policy in Europe
At their 1462nd meeting, the Ministers’ Deputies adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)3 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on Library legislation and policy in Europe. Libraries have a crucial role to play as community hubs striving towards a democratic, cohesive, inclusive and...
Investing in children – the key to prosperity
On 30 March 2023, the Ministry of Education and Children of Iceland and the Council of Europe will host a high-level Conference “Investing in Children – the Key to Prosperity” in Reykjavik, Iceland. Organised under the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,...
Is Democracy Key to Ensuring Peace? – online roundtable
The European Committee on Democracy and Governance (CDDG) of the Council of Europe, is organising a roundtable on the occasion of the Partners for Democracy Day in the lead up to the second Summit for Democracy, and in light of the Fourth Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government...
Conference on Protecting the rights of Ukrainian children during and in post-war context
On 14 March 2023, the Council of Europe will hold an online conference to assess the needs for further support aimed at protecting the rights of the child in Ukraine during the war and in the post-war period, to be covered within the Council of Europe project "Protecting the rights of Ukrainian...
Rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls in focus at CSW side-event
In the margins of the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, the Council of Europe organised a side-event on: “Responding to Regional and Global Challenges: Protecting the Rights of Migrant, Refugee and Asylum-seeking Women and Girls” . The event was co-organised with the...
Environment showcases the role of the Council of Europe for young generations
A consultative meeting “Climate crisis and young people” was held in the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg on 22-23 February 2023, in preparation for the work of the Joint Council on Youth to draft a new recommendation for the 46 member states of the Council of Europe focusing on climate...
Free to Create: Report on Artistic Freedom in Europe
A new report entitled Free to Create: Artistic Freedom in Europe examines the challenges European artists and cultural workers face in the practice of their right to freedom of artistic expression. These range from laws that curtail creative freedom, attacks from non-governmental groups and...
Twenty-five years of ensuring equality in law and in fact for national minorities
The violent break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s consolidated the resolve in the Council of Europe to draft a dedicated legally binding treaty for the protection of national minorities. This is how, twenty-five years ago, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities was...
Human rights of intersex people: work launched on new Council of Europe recommendation
Advancing the human rights of intersex people was the key theme of a conference held as part of Iceland’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Conference topics included the right to physical integrity and bodily autonomy, comprehensive medical and social care, access to justice and...
Call for European Heritage Days Stories 2023 - Now open
The Call for European Heritage Days Stories is a chance to share your heritage treasures with other communities in Europe. Now in its fifth edition, the Call is a competitive grant award initiative organised through the European Heritage Days joint action of the Council of Europe and the European...
Centre of Expertise for Good Governance (CEGG)
CEGG Annual report 2022 - Promoting good democratic governance as a means of strengthening democratic culture in Europe
Ensuring democratic security and a strong culture of democracy are key to securing peace and prosperity in Europe. Although 2022 will be remembered for the terrible violence and seismic change caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression in Ukraine, the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance...
New manual on response to conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine
How can the Istanbul Convention frame Ukrainian mental health and emergency response to conflict-related sexual violence? In the new publication: Working with victims of sexual violence during armed conflict: a manual for Ukrainian mental health and emergency response professionals, the Council...
International Migrants Day
Council of Europe publishes guidance on how to better protect children against sexual exploitation and abuse in crisis and emergency situations
Children’s lives are disrupted and seriously affected when forced to leave their homes, whilst on the move, internally displaced or once they have reached the host country. These circumstances make children particularly vulnerable to violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, including trafficking...
2022 Eurimages Co-production Development Awards
Saturday night, the €20,000 Eurimages Co-production Development Award went to the project SEALSKIN written and directed by Irene Moray, presented in the framework of ScriptLab 2022 at TorinoFilmLab. The jury composed of Maialen Beloki Berasategiu (San Sebastian International Film Festival), Erik...
Observatory on History Teaching in Europe
Annual Conference tackles the future of history teaching
The past year has shown how historical arguments can be used to nurture hate, but when taught in all its complexity, history can in fact help appease conflicts - as the 70 years’ experience of the Council of Europe in the field has shown. On December 1-2 the Council of Europe’s Observatory on...
New online course
New LEMON course on the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture
The new LEMON course on the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) is now available on the Help E-Learning platefrom. Aimed at the general public as much as at education practitioners and policymakers, the course will allow learners to develop a richer understanding...
Regional Governance in Lithuania: Closing Conference
The Council of Europe - European Union Joint Project “Establishment of legal, institutional and financial framework at regional (county) level, capacity-building to enhance quality of regional public administration in Lithuania” will come to its end on 15 December 2022. To present the achieved...
11th plenary session of the Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP)
The Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP) will be holding its 11th plenary session in Strasbourg on 23-25 November 2022. This is the first face-to-face meeting of the Committee since 2019. Participants and observers to the CDCPP are looking forward to exchanging on the...
First gathering on the implementation of the Faro Convention in Spain
The Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports organised the first gathering on the implementation of Faro Convention that took place on 22 November in Siguenza, Spain. Spain has ratified the Faro Convention in April and the gathering served as a first step towards the elaboration of an...
Barnahus model helps children who suffered sexual abuse from feeling like victims for a second time, say Council of Europe leaders
Ahead of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse marked on 18 November, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić and Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,...
Impact of COVID 19 on women’s access to justice: what are the next steps?
What can states do to address persistent and emerging challenges and barriers women face when accessing justice? How can the Covid-19 pandemic incentivise legal professionals in the national justice systems to rethink and reshape national approaches to access to justice and gender equality? The...
World Forum for Democracy: “Democracy: A new hope?”
“Democracy: A new hope?” is the theme of this year’s World Forum for Democracy, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The event, taking place from 7 to 9 November at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, will bring together intellectuals, politicians, activists, experts and young people from...
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages celebrates its 30th anniversary - statement by the Bureau of the Committee of Experts
On 5 November 1992, eleven member states of the Council of Europe signed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Strasbourg, considering that the preservation and development of Europe's cultural traditions and wealth depended on the protection of its regional or minority...
Participation of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in UNESCO's Mondiacult2022 Conference
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe participated in UNESCO's Mondiacult2022 Conference, which took place in Mexico from 28-30 September, 40 years after the first meeting. The Secretary General stressed the Council of Europe's commitment to contributing to the achievement of the United...
17th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport: focus on Sport for All and Rethinking Sport
Sport for All and Rethinking Sport were the two central themes of the 17th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport that was held on 26 October in Antalya, Türkiye. Organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) in co-operation with the Ministry of Youth and...
European Anti-Trafficking Day: States must urgently tackle human trafficking for labour exploitation
Ahead of the European Anti-Trafficking Day (18 October) the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has stressed the urgency of tackling the growing menace of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. Helga Gayer, President of GRETA,...
Faro Convention Regional Seminar in Tallinn
The Estonian Ministry of Culture, the Finnish Heritage Agency and the Council of Europe jointly organised the Faro Convention Regional Seminar that took place on 17 and 18 October in Tallinn, Estonia. The event gathered 70 participants both from governmental sector and civil society from Finland...
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - Conference of INGOs organises two events
To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty the Conference of INGOs is organising two events on the theme ‘’PUTTING AN END TO NON-TAKE-UP OF RIGHTS: For effective Access by Everyone to Rights and Services’’ on 17 October 2022 in a hybrid format in Strasbourg and online. The non-...
Youth statutory meetings
Democracy campaign, Roma youth participation, Ukrainian youth, climate change, rural youth…
These are just some of the subjects discussed during the youth statutory meetings held in the European Youth Centre in Budapest from 10 to 12 October 2022. Buoyed by the conclusions of the high-level reflection group of the Council of Europe, which wholeheartedly agreed that “building sustainable...
“Addressing disinformation and propaganda with a human rights framework”: informal exchange of views with civil society representatives
At an informal meeting on 6 October delegations from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states held an exchange of views with representatives of international civil society organisations active in the media field. They discussed the challenges of disinformation and propaganda which undermine...
Five steps to ensure women’s access to justice
Do you know how access to justice is linked to combating violence against women and sexism? Do you want to understand how the Covid-19 pandemic can offer an opportunity to radically rethink and reshape national approaches to access to justice and gender equality? Do you want to know how legal...
The chairs of the youth sector statutory bodies in dialogue with the Council of Europe’s decision-makers
Miriam Teuma, chair of the Joint Council on Youth (CMJ), and Spyros Papadatos, chair of the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ), travelled to the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg on 4 October to meet with the Organisation’s decision-making body and Secretary General. On the invitation...
Conference on promoting academic integrity
Creating a culture of integrity is the ultimate solution to combating academic misconduct which poses a threat not only to the higher education system but also erodes trust in public institutions and, ultimately, democracy itself. On October 5, the Council of Europe and Erasmus University...
Dublin conference discusses rights and the best interests of the child in parental separation and care proceedings
Considering the voice of children and young people in determining their best interests in family courts during parental separation and care proceedings is the focus of an international conference taking place in Dublin on 3 October under the Irish Presidency of the Council of Europe. The Minister...
European ministers adopt “Dublin Declaration” on preventing violence through equality
European Ministers of Justice, gathered in Dublin, on 29 and 30 September, at the invitation of the Minister of Justice of Ireland, in the context of the Irish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. After two days of exchanges and discussions on prevention measures...
European Day of Languages 2022: “Let us value all languages in Europe” says Secretary General of the Council of Europe
26 September 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of the European Day of Languages. On the occasion of the Day, the Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić stated that "The European Day of Languages is a celebration of the rich tapestry of languages which make our continent so...
European Day of Languages
The Council of Europe and the European Commission celebrate the European Day of Languages on 26 September. This year it has been important to help refugees from Ukraine settle as much as possible into their host countries, both neighbouring and far away. A central part of this help is assisting...
Webinar "A new Council of Europe Recommendation on language education: defining plurilingual and intercultural education"
In June this year the ECML launched a series of webinars on Recommendation R(2022)1 on the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education for democratic culture, adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in February 2022. The first webinar, which can be viewed here,...
an event organised by Almasani Association, a member of the Faro Convention Network
International conference “Cultural Heritage: Participatory Approach”
The Almasani Association, a member of the Faro Convention Network, organised the International Conference “Cultural Heritage: Participatory Approach” on 21 September, in Novi Sad, Serbia. The Faro Convention Secretariat took part in the event, acknowledging the great work of the Almasani...
Two Strategy 21 dissemination events online
We are pleased to invite you to participate in two Strategy 21 dissemination events online, taking place from 20 to 21 September in Spain (San Millan de la Cogolla/ La Rioja).The events are co-organised by the Council of Europe and Fundación San Millán de la Cogolla (SPAIN). On 20 September we...
The new publication “The Faro Convention at work in Europe: selected examples”
The Council of Europe’s Culture and Cultural Heritage Division has, in the framework of its Joint project with the European Union: “The Faro Way: enhanced participation in cultural heritage”, produced a new publication entitled “The Faro Convention at work in Europe: selected examples”. This...
Education on democratic competencies discussed at a national congress in Tirana
A National Congress on "Challenges of quality and inclusive education towards European integration" took place in Tirana during 11-13 September and was attended by some 2000 educators from Albania and abroad. The Congress was addressed by Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and the Minister of...
Supporting civil society organisations in raising awareness on the Istanbul Convention
On 14 September, the Council of Europe in co-operation with Women Against Violence Europe Network (WAVE) and UN Women launched a new methodology and toolkit to support civil society organisations (CSOs) in raising awareness on the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence...
Save the date: 7-9 November 2022
World Forum for Democracy 2022 "Democracy: A New Hope ?"
Thirty years ago, many people believed that the spread of democracy was as inevitable as it was desirable. Those days are now far behind us. Instead, the public and policy-makers have watched as the spread of democracy has slowed and, by some measures, gone into reverse. Those who believe that...
European Heritage Days launched under the Irish Presidency of the Council of Europe
Ambassador Breifne O’Reilly, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe, has marked the start of the 2022 European Heritage Days season with a special video message from the beautiful surroundings of the historic Parc de l’Orangerie in Strasbourg. As one of Europe’s largest...
European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
Today, we commemorate European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day and pay tribute to the thousands of victims. 78 years ago, on 2 August 1944, 3,000 Roma - mainly women and children - were brutally murdered in the dark of the night at Auschwitz-Birkenau. This terrible event is central to the story of...
"Sport is a great leveller that can bring people together in a way that nothing else can”, Bjørn Berge tells Commonwealth Sports Ministers
“Sport is a great leveller that can bring people together in a way that nothing else can”, highlighted the Deputy Secretary General while addressing the 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Birmingham. Bjørn Berge underlined how the Council of Europe’s four-year strategic priorities for...
How to find a Council of Europe resource on gender equality and women's rights
The Gender Equality Division has developed a dedicated webpage on its website to showcase the wide range of resources (standards, publications, factsheets, brochures, audio-visual materials, etc.) offered by the Council of Europe to promote gender equality and women’s rights. With the help of...
The United Kingdom ratifies the Istanbul Convention
Today, in Strasbourg, in the presence of the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, H.E. Mr Sandy Moss, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the Council of Europe, deposited the instrument of ratification of the Council of...
Ukraine ratifies the Istanbul Convention
Today, in Strasbourg, in the presence of the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, H.E. Mr Borys Tarasyuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe, deposited the instrument of ratification of the Council of Europe...
Workshop on Artistic Freedom in Europe Today
Hosted by Bunker – the old Power Station in Ljubljana/Slovenia, the Council of Europe organised a workshop on Artistic Freedom in Europe Today – From the Personal to the Political on 5-6 July, involving some 20 artists from all disciplines and all over Europe. The event triggered an open exchange...
Progress in legal gender recognition in Europe is slow, further progress is needed on civil, and human rights aspects
New Report on Legal Gender Recognition in Europe
A new Council of Europe report reviews the progress achieved in European countries in guaranteeing full legal gender recognition (LGR) in all areas of life. The report acknowledges advances in legislation, practices and public attitudes, but progress is slow and additional steps are needed, inter...
APPLY NOW! Make your culture, nature or heritage initiative visible as a Strategy 21 Good practice!
You are invited to send us new inspirational best project examples/practices in the framework of our ST21 work. This year, special attention is being given to: projects, initiatives or practices that illustrate integrated approaches, showcasing one of the three main components of ST21; AI/digital...
The Council of Europe contributes to the work of the Transforming Education Pre-Summit
On the first day of the Transforming Education Pre-Summit, Matjaz Gruden, Director of Democratic Participation, attended a meeting of the High Level Steering Committee Leaders Group (HLSC). The HLSC approved today an urgent call to action to be addressed to Heads of State and Government at the...
Refugees share their experiences of using the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees
On the occasion of the World Refugee Day 2022, the Council of Europe launched a new video to present the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) and stories of refugees who obtained and used the EQPR. The EQPR enables refugees to have their qualifications assessed even in the...
2022 Global Forum on Higher Education Leadership for Democracy, Sustainability and Social Justice
The 2022 Global Forum "Higher Education Leadership for Democracy, Sustainability and Social Justice" organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the International Association of Universities, International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy,...
Domestic violence: Countries should improve child custody safety and victim protection
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) finds that many countries lack enough protection for children and domestic violence victims. GREVIO, which monitors implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and...
Ukraine: a Roadmap for the Recovery after the war
In April 2022, the President of Ukraine established a National Council for recovery of Ukraine after the war, with the aim of developing a comprehensive Roadmap for the reconstruction once the conflict is over. The Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe is currently...
Webinar: Determining and Evaluating the Best Interests and Rights of Children in Parental Separation and Care Proceedings: exploring perspectives and best practices across Europe
The CINGO Civil Society Committee on the Rights of the Child organised a free Webinar on Determining and Evaluating the Best Interests and Rights of Children in Parental Separation and Care Proceedings: exploring perspectives and best practices across Europe in English with experts and thought...
Adverse impact of Covid-19 on vulnerable groups, racism in policing, intimidation of LGBTI people: main trends in ECRI's annual report
The continuing Covid-19 pandemic that has further marginalised vulnerable groups, the ongoing problem of racism in police forces and the rise of anti-LGBTI public discourse were the main trends in 2021, said the Council of Europe’s Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in its annual...
Combating Hate Speech in Sport project - Launch Conference
Sport brings people together. It contributes to health and well-being, breaking down barriers and building trust and community spirit. However, it can also exacerbate tensions or rivalries and foster discrimination against certain categories of the population, contrary to international standards,...
New recommendation on culture, cultural heritage and landscape
During its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted a Recommendation on the role of culture, cultural heritage and landscape in helping to address global challenges (Turin, 20.05.2022). The Recommendation affirms culture’s transformative role in...
Protecting rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls: Council of Europe recommendation adopted
The Committee of Ministers, meeting in Turin, has adopted a new recommendation to protect the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls provides measures to better respond to needs and challenges that they face. Drawing on Council of Europe treaties including the Istanbul...
Discussing good practices of child and youth participation in Europe
The European Union/Council of Europe Joint Project “CP4Europe - Strengthening National Child Participation Frameworks and Action in Europe” will hold a mid-term Conference "Child and Youth Participation for Europe" under the Irish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers and its theme: ’Hear...
Council of Europe proposes a comprehensive legal and policy framework to combat hate speech
The Council of Europe has issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline. In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop...
Young Roma and Traveller women of today are the leaders and influencers of tomorrow
Making progress towards greater inclusion of Roma and Traveller women and girls is not only a human rights imperative, it is a key component of how countries can respond to the challenges they face. Mainstream society and states need to see young Roma and Traveller women and girls not as a threat...
Belgium ratifies the Faro Convention
Belgium has transmitted to the Council of Europe the instrument of ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society on 13 May 2022. This latest ratification brings the total number of ratifications to 23, in addition to the 5 member States...
Civil society and the Council of Europe – strengthening our ties
As part of the Secretary General’s proposals to follow-up to the Helsinki decisions on civil society, a resource for civil society that gives easy access to the Civil Society Handbook has been published online. This site available in both English and French provides everything that civil...
Advancing gender equality and fighting stereotypes
A meeting of the Council of Europe’s main body for supporting gender equality has examined a wide range of issues affecting women. The plenary meeting of the Gender Equality Commission, held from 11-13 May in Strasbourg, discussed progress in advancing gender equality in Europe. The participants...
The defence of Roma children’s rights discussed in the Council of Europe 13th Dialogue Meeting with Roma and Traveller civil society
On 10-11 May 2022, the Council of Europe held its 13th Dialogue Meeting with Roma and Traveller civil society in Strasbourg in hybrid format, focusing on the topic of defending the rights of the Roma and Traveller children. The meeting brought together 55 representatives of different Roma and...
First Barnahus for child victims of sexual abuse launched in Slovenia
The first Barnahus (Children’s House) of Slovenia for child victims of sexual abuse has been launched in Ljubljana with the active support of the EU Reform – Council of Europe joint project “Support the implementation of Barnahus in Slovenia - phase II” and the Norway Grants. Barnahus is a...
Presentation of "Free to Create, Create to be Free“ to the 3rd European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights
The digital #exhibition of the Council of Europe, "Free to Create, Create to be Free“ will be presented at the 3rd European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights on 5 May 2022, in Kristiansand (Norway) where the Council of Europe is one of the co-organisers. The focus of this year’s conference...
GRETA issues Guidance Note on addressing the risks of trafficking in human beings related to the war in Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis
With the unprecedented movement of people forced to flee Ukraine since the start of the war, 90% of whom are women and children, NGOs and media have sounded the alarm over suspected cases of human trafficking. Presumed victims have been detected, and investigations are reportedly ongoing. A new...
HISTOLAB new joint project of the EU and Council of Europe to support cooperation in history education
It was during OHTE’s 1st Annual Conference that the EU Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas first announced European Commission support for the work of the Observatory and the allocation of €1 000 000 for a new joint project that would support cooperation in the field of history...
Finland launches the Action Plan to implement the Lanzarote Convention
On 25 of April 2022, the Finnish National Implementation Plan for the Lanzarote Convention (2022-2025) was launched in Helsinki. Finland signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention) in 2007 and ratified...
New ECML website offering dedicated support for the (linguistic) integration of refugees from Ukraine
Photo: Mirek Pruchnicki CC BY-SA 2.0 Are you a decision-maker, headteacher or teacher looking for guidance and resources to welcome young Ukrainian refugees who have recently joined your educational institution? Are you an employer or recruitment agency supporting Ukrainian refugees to access...
25th anniversary of the Lisbon Recognition Convention
12 April 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the Lisbon Recognition Convention. This date coincided with the 80th Bologna Follow Up Group meeting, which took place at the Council of Europe headquarters. At the reception organised to mark the occasion, Villano Qiriazi, the Head of the Education...
Highlights of the 15th CDDG: Deliberative democracy and democratic governance
The 15th meeting of the European Committee on Democracy and Governance (CDDG) took place on 21-22 April 2022 in Strasbourg, in a hybrid format. In the current context of instability, hostility, and democratic backsliding in Europe, the current specific tasks of the CDDG to develop a...
Upper Secondary School Examination in times of COVID-19
The ENIC and NARIC networks published the 2022 edition of Upper Secondary School Examinations - High School Diplomas in times of COVID-19": https://www.enic-naric.net/upper-secondary-school-examinations-high-school-diplomas-in-times-of-covid-19.aspx The document includes information from 37...
New recommendation on passing on remembrance of the Holocaust and preventing crimes against humanity
After long debate, at the end of March 2022, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a Recommendation on passing on remembrance of the Holocaust and preventing crimes against humanity. It offers a framework for our Member States regarding the transmission of the history and...
Council of Europe assesses measures taken by states to protect children on the move from sexual abuse and exploitation
With Europe facing the second major refugee crisis in less than a decade, the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Committee has published ten compliance reports evaluating legislation, services and other measures in place for the protection of children affected by the refugee crisis from sexual...
Work-life balance crucial for gender equality and empowering women
Gender and labour ministers from all regions of Europe took part at a high-level conference in Rome on 12 April to explore how to face the challenge of creating a better work-life balance for women, ensure that family responsibilities can be better shared, improve gender equality and prevent...
European Label of Governance Excellence launched in Venice
A launch conference for the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) was held under the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Venice on 11 April. Good Democratic Governance is encapsulated in the 12 Principles which can be measured by applying the...
Learning Equality, Dignity, Democracy: forum on citizenship and human rights education in Europe
A Forum on the present and future of citizenship and human rights education in Europe has opened in Turin, Italy. It aims to strengthen the quality, recognition and outreach of young people’s education in the fields of democratic citizenship and human rights. The event, from 11 to 13 April has...
Education in time of crisis
As a result of the Russian Federation’s armed attack on Ukraine, millions of people fleeing Ukraine. In anticipation of the immediate and short-term impact of such inflow of refugees and, in particular, young adults and children, the Education Department of the Council of Europe, in close...
Child self-generated sexual images and videos: new report provides guidance to governments
Addressing challenges raised by the significant increase and exploitation of child self-generated sexual images and videos is the focus of the new monitoring report presented today by the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Committee in Rome. The report covers 43 European states Parties (*) to the...
“Local governments unite for welfare and peace”: online marathon exchanges between Ukrainian local leaders and international counterparts
Through its Centre of Expertise for Good Governance the Council of Europe has held a series of online conferences “Local governments unite for welfare and peace” from 18 March to 7 April 2022. Amid the ongoing aggression from the Russian Federation, local authorities in Ukraine continue to...
Children’s rights in crisis and emergency situations: a new Council of Europe priority for 2022-2027
With climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, securing and protecting children’s rights in crisis and emergency situations has been designated a new priority in the Council of Europe’s Strategy for the Rights of the Child for 2022-2027...
The Committee of Ministers adopts a landmark legal standard on multilevel policies and governance for intercultural integration
The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers adopted by consensus Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)10 on multilevel policies and governance for intercultural integration. This is the second international standard in this field following the adoption back in 2015 of CM/Rec(2015)1 on intercultural...
Portugal joins the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR)
On 5 April, Portugal joined the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees, becoming the 14th partner country to promote the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees as a practical tool for better and faster integration of refugees in their new societies. EQPR is a tool that was developed...
Children’s rights: a new strategy to be launched in Rome
The new Strategy to guide the 46 member States of the Council of Europe in protecting and promoting the rights of the child in 2022-2027 will be officially launched on 7-8 April at a high-level conference in Rome. Benedetto Della Vedova, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and...
“Creating our future: creativity and cultural heritage as strategic resources for a diverse and democratic Europe”
The Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP) and the Italian Ministry of Culture are organising a Conference of Ministers of Culture in the framework of the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The event will take place in hybrid format...
1st meeting of the Bureau of the Bern Convention in 2022
The Bureau to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention held its first meeting of 2022 on 6-7 April by video-conference. The Bureau assessed progress in the implementation of the Convention’s Programme of Activities for 2022/2023 and the state of preparation of the thematic expert group...
Resources supporting Ukrainian children’s right to education
The Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights has prepared an information guide for parents, children and teachers on current web resources and portals that provide Ukrainian children with the opportunity to continue the educational process even if they have been displaced...
Call from the Lanzarote Committee
Urgent need to protect Ukrainian children in migration from the risk of exposure to sexual abuse
During its 36th plenary meeting, the Lanzarote Committee solemnly reaffirmed in a Statement on protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse resulting from the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, that the 48 Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on...
Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU): Statement on the educational consequences of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine
In its Statement on the educational consequences of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, the Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) called on Council of Europe member and observer States to provide support to the Ukrainian people and all displaced and refugee persons by this...
Ensuring non-discrimination in responding to violence against women: new publication on Article 4, paragraph 3 of the Istanbul Convention
Today, a new publication is being released, explaining ways to ensure the non-discriminatory implementation of measures addressing violence against women and domestic violence on the basis of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence...
CSW online side event: STEM education as a stepping-stone towards gender transformative climate change policies
The Council of Europe organised an online side event with Italy on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education as a stepping-stone towards gender transformative climate change policies. The event was co-sponsored by Austria, the United Kingdom and the United Nations...
Preventing violence against women through education – new publication on Article 14 of the Istanbul Convention
Just days after International Women's Day, a new publication has been made available on the role of formal and informal education in preventing violence against women and domestic violence. This publication belongs to a series of in-depth analyses of articles of the Convention on preventing and...
"Advancing Human rights, democracy and the rule of law in and through sport": discover the Council of Europe’s priorities for Sport for 2022-2025
The Council of Europe has set its priorities in the field of sport for the next four years (2022-2025), in accordance with the strategic framework of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the decisions taken at the Hamburg Ministerial Session (May 2021). In the light of the evolving...
Discover “Your Faro Way” - the new Faro Convention role-playing game
The Faro Convention role-playing game “Your Faro Way” was developed as one of the outcomes in the framework of the Council of Europe-European Union Joint project “The Faro Way: enhanced participation in cultural heritage”. It seeks to promote the Faro Convention on the value of cultural heritage...
Focus on women in sport on 8 March
On the occasion of International Women's Day celebrated on 8 March each year, the Sport Division is organising an online breakfast roundtable with a focus on women in sport. This will open with presentations from international keynote speakers who have carried out innovative work in the area of...
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: ECRI's Chair praises the exceptional efforts of other countries to welcome people fleeing from the conflict and warns all sides against the use of any ultra-nationalistic or racist hate speech
Maria Daniella Marouda, Chair of ECRI, made the following comments in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine: "On behalf of ECRI’s Bureau, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all other persons and families affected by the aggression of the...
Council of Europe’s anti-racism commission published conclusions on Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovenia
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published today its conclusions on the implementation of its priority recommendations addressed to Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovenia in 2019. As regards Finland, ECRI concluded that the authorities had not...
Sustainable Heritage will be explored during this year's European Heritage Days events
In 2022 European Heritage Days will be celebrating Sustainable Heritage. The shared theme in the context of environmental change, Europe’s diverse cultural heritage and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, will be looking at both people and places; continuity and learnings from...
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) issues a new General Policy Recommendation to Council of Europe member states
The Council of Europe’s expert body on racism and intolerance (ECRI) has published today a revised General Policy Recommendation on preventing and combating anti-Muslim racism and discrimination to help prevent and counter increasing public manifestations of anti-Muslim racism and discrimination...
Developing Principles of Good Democratic Governance
How governments, at all levels, conduct their affairs has an impact on the trust the public puts into public institutions as well as on the functioning of the public sector. Currently, member States face challenges to public trust and delivery of services, as evidenced by democratic backsliding...
The new Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027) adopted by the Committee of Ministers
On 23 February 2022, the Committee of Ministers adopted the new Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027) “Children’s Rights in Action: from continuous implementation to joint innovation” which will guide the work of the Council of Europe over the next six years. The new Strategy is the...
Yet another Golden Bear for Eurimages !
Last night, the jury of the 72nd edition of the Berlinale awarded the Golden Bear to the co-production ALCARRÀS (ES, IT) by Carla Simón, supported by Eurimages and winner of the Eurimages Co-production Development Award at the Berlinale Co-Production Market in 2019. Eurimages is proud of this 4th...
Information and Communication Technologies in Elections: Council of Europe Adopts New Guidelines
Free and fair elections and referendums are one of the cornerstones of democracy. The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the legitimacy of democratic institutions. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play an increasing role in all...
Publication of the Annual report of the Intercultural Cities programme
The 2021 Annual report of the Intercultural Cities programme (ICC) is now online. The report presents the activities organised during the year, as well as the tools and methodologies developed to assist local and regional authorities worldwide in the design, implementation and review of...
Putting language education on the political agenda
New Council of Europe Recommendation on the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education for democratic culture
At a meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies on 2 February 2022, the new Recommendation to member states on the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education for democratic culture was adopted. This recommendation addresses two developments of concern to the Council of Europe: a tendency on...
AND THE AUDENTIA AWARD WINNER IS…
Eurimages and the Trieste Film Festival reveal the winners of the prestigious Audentia Award for Best Female Director: Mina Mileva and Vesela Kazakova for their second feature film Women Do Cry