Newsroom of DG Democracy and Human Dignity
Taking child-friendly justice forward in Europe
Launch of Phase II of the Joint European Union -Council of Europe Project on Child-friendly Justice On 29 September 2026, the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) launched Phase II of the joint...
Council of Europe to develop guidance on preventing sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour by children
On 23 September 2026, the Committee of Experts on the prevention of violence held a special hearing on preventing sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour by children. Harmful...
Publication: Factsheet on preventing and combating racism and intolerance in and through sports
The Secretariat of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published a factsheet bringing together ECRI’s key recommendations on preventing and combating racism and...
European Court of Human Rights amends its Rules allowing to request a special representative for a child
Starting from 25 March 2027, the European Court of Human Rights will be able to appoint, in certain special circumstances, an independent representative for a child applicant and, exceptionally, for a third party who is a child. The change follows amendments introduced to the Rules of Court...
First Council of Europe Strategy for equal rights of LGBTI people adopted, new report on anti-LGBTI hate speech released
The 2027-32 strategy sets a common direction for ensuring that LGBTI people fully enjoy their human rights
President of the Conference of INGOs condemns recent actions targeting LGBTI persons in Türkiye
The Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) of the Council of Europe is deeply concerned by reports of coordinated raids, detentions and restrictions targeting LGBTI...
Elise Jalladeau takes over from Susan Newman Baudais
The Council of Europe has appointed Elise Jalladeau as Executive Director of Eurimages. She succeeds Susan Newman Baudais, who will step down upon her retirement. Elise Jalladeau joins Eurimages on 1 October 2026 from the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, where she served as Director...
Ukraine signs Council of Europe’s Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series
Signature took place on the margins of the Carpathian Summit focusing on extending regional integration
Asan City Advances Intercultural Inclusion with Practical Action
Asan City, Korea, is making measurable progress since joining the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme in 2024. ...
How can we detect AI systems contributing to discrimination?
New Council of Europe funded tool to detect algorithmic discrimination and find redress launched
EU, Council of Europe and OSCE partnership in action: tackling racism through co-operation
As many as 100 representatives of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, international organisations, academia, civil society and religious communities gathered in Sarajevo on 8 and 9...
Austria committed to minority language protection, but challenges remain
The Council of Europe welcomes progress made by Austria in protecting and promoting regional or minority languages, while calling for further action in areas...
Inclusive societies, stronger democracies: Council of Europe to launch 10 Principles in Madrid
How can Europe strengthen democracy in increasingly diverse and rapidly changing societies? How can inclusion, participation and a sense of belonging contribute to more resilient and cohesive...
Malta: Innovative awareness-raising campaigns involving men and boys aid progress in curbing violence against women
Strengthening victim protection and perpetrator accountability required
Registration to attend the 14th World Forum for Democracy is open
The online Registration to attend in person the World Forum for Democracy is open! This year, the Forum will take place in Strasbourg (France) from 2 to 3 November 2026. The theme is “Rupture or renewal? Democratic security for our future”.
Promoting equality and inclusion through communication
Before it becomes a matter of policy or law, discrimination begins with words - a comment, an assumption, a label. This was a the starting point for a two-day Workshop on Equality and...
New communication toolkit launched at World Pride 2026 in Amsterdam
At World Pride, on 6 August 2026, the SOGIESC Unit of the Council of Europe, together with the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups, presents their new communication toolkit, “Countering...
Coalition on Roma Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Recognition launches work under Phase II of the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme "RomaMemory"
The Coalition on Roma Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Recognition convened in Kraków, Poland, on 1 August 2026, ahead of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations held annually on 2 August. The meeting marked the fifth gathering of the Coalition since its establishment in 2024...
Council of Europe highlights measures to protect women from violence amidst war in Ukraine
Challenges arising from Russia's war highlighted in first report since Ukraine’s ratification of Istanbul Convention
New Council of Europe recommendation places education at the heart of response to AI
Citizens must understand AI's effects on society, not just knowing how the tools work