In a speech today to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz stressed the need to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
A free press is a "basic condition for democracy" he told assembled parliamentarians. "Journalists need protection."
Referring to his country's role ofchairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, Kurz lamented the fact that "on this day of Holocaust remembrance, we should be aware that we are still not free from racism and discrimination and anti-Semitism."
"We must work together to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees" who are "especially victims of discrimination."
He highlighted Austria's role in the fight against human trafficking, informing parliamentarians of a Council of Europe conference in Vienna to be held on 17-18 February in cooperation with the OSCE.
Mr. Kurz stressed free access to the Internet and protection of private data, highlighting an important conference on those themes to be held on 13-14 March in Graz.
He mentioned that Austria joined the Council of Europe in 1956, and has represented three Secretary Generals since then.
Video of the debate
Speech
Austria and the Council of Europe
