On 5 May 2023, in Kristiansand, Norway, the 4th European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights focused on the future of European cooperation in the light of new threats to democracy and human rights after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as well as democratic backsliding.

“This event today here in Kristiansand, is leading the way in explaining why democracy, why the rule of law, why human rights really matter. We must continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine, provide assistance covering a wide range of areas from the investigation of war-crimes to assistance to law enforcement and the judiciary. This is what will be in focus when European leaders meet in Reykjavik this month for the Council of Europe’s 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government”, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge, in his speech at the opening of the event.

During the event, the Mayor of Kristiansand, Jan Oddvar Skisland and Mayor of Mykolaiv Mr Oleksandr Syenkevych signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

“We support Ukraine and the people of Ukraine in their desperate and brave battle to survive. We welcome warmly our Ukrainian friends, and we are very pleased that we will be able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and friendship between the cities of Mykolaiv and Kristiansand during our conference today”, Mayor of Kristiansand, Jan Oddvar Skisland, said.

The United Nations have asked Erik Møse, fmr. Judge of the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of Norway to be Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The main results of the Report were presented at the European Conference in Kristiansand.

Another topic high on the agenda during the conference was democratic backsliding.

"While the democratic backsliding in Russia and Belarus are the most extreme examples that Europe has witnessed in recent times, we also find that backsliding of democracy elsewhere on our continent. Democratic backsliding is when governments pass new laws, or misuse old ones, to shrink civic space, prevent legitimate protest, deny independent media and journalists a voice", Deputy Secretary General Berge said.

The Annual Report of the Platform on Safety of Journalists was published followed by a debate on freedom of expression and media, freedom of academia and safety of writers and journalists.

In addition to the European Conference, 37 other events to promote democracy and human rights are taking place in the city this week.

The Council of Europe has stressed the crucial role of local initiatives which raise awareness of significance of democratic practices and human rights. Kristiansand has decided to convene a European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights every year on the occasion of Europe Day on May 5th.