The 15th meeting of the Council of Europe–FRA–ENNHRI–EQUINET Platform focused on the enjoyment of socio-economic rights in rural and remote areas. The event examined the specific challenges facing rural communities and how existing legal frameworks—particularly the European Social Charter—apply in these contexts.
Organised in collaboration with the Scottish Human Rights Commission and hosted at the Scottish Parliament, the meeting brought together policymakers, experts, and civil society to exchange insights, identify legal and practical gaps, and showcase good practices that promote rights-based approaches in rural settings.
Rafael Benítez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment at the Council of Europe and Angela O’Hagan, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, opened the discussions, followed by a keynote address from Tatiana Puiu, Vice President of the European Committee of Social Rights, who highlighted both the opportunities and barriers rural populations face in accessing fundamental social rights.
“The full enjoyment of human rights in practice should not depend on where you live,” said Rafael Benítez. “Rural communities often face persistent barriers to healthcare, education, transport, employment, and digital connectivity. The European Committee of Social Rights has consistently underlined States’ positive obligations to secure these rights effectively for everyone, including those in geographically isolated or economically disadvantaged areas.”
The first session explored the current state of socio-economic rights in rural Europe, with contributions from representatives of the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights Office, Scotland’s Rural College, Scottish Rural Action, and Croatia’s Ombudswoman. The second focused on legal frameworks and implementation gaps, featuring experts from the Council of Europe, FRA, the United Nations, and the Scottish Human Rights Commission. Participants later joined thematic working groups on access to services, employment, youth opportunities, local governance, and rights monitoring, sharing key insights in a final plenary discussion.
The meeting concluded with reflections from rapporteur Nikolaos Papadopoulos and closing remarks by Angela O’Hagan, who emphasised the importance of collaboration, capacity-building and peer exchange to strengthen the protection of socio-economic rights in rural areas across Europe.
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