COVID-19 pandemic & human rights

Human rights are more important than ever in times of crisis

On the Front Line against Human Rights Violations

“The virus is destroying many lives and much else of what is very dear to us. We should not let it destroy our core values and free societies,”

Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić

At the end of March Secretary General. Marija Pejčinović Burić warned that Covid-19 restrictions had to be balanced with human rights. We’ve put together a coronavirus toolkit to guide governments as they make difficult decisions, and opened up our human rights training programme for free with the launch of a five hour course.

Our Work

Protecting democracy

Protecting people

News about Covid-19 News about Covid-19

New initiative to help Roma families face COVID-19

4 May 2020 Strasbourg

A joint Council of Europe/European Union initiative has helped vulnerable Roma communities in Europe to face challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus. By the end of April this year, approximately €60,000 has been allocated in 34 municipalities reaching some 1,900 families. This action includes...

COVID-19 tracing apps: side effects on personal data protection should be avoided

Council of Europe 28 April 2020 Strasbourg

In a joint statement the Chair of the Council of Europe’s data protection “Convention 108” committee, Alessandra Pierucci, and the Council of Europe’s Data Protection Commissioner, Jean-Philippe Walter, have warned of the possible side effects of digital contact tracing applications used to help...

COVID-19 crisis: Council of Europe Bank supports Comunidad de Madrid health sector with €200 million loan

CEB 27 April 2020 Strasbourg

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Comunidad de Madrid have signed an agreement for a 200 million euros loan to support the latter’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforce the level of medical services provided to its citizens. Spain has been particularly hard hit by the...

— 3 Items per Page

Showing 1 - 3 of 24 results.

As governments scramble to protect their populations many of the rights we take for granted are being taken away. In many countries, we’re not allowed to meet - even to visit relatives - our children are not allowed in school and our privacy is open to challenge by authorities trying to control the virus. Yet throughout Europe communities gain strength by coming together.

Videos Videos