Experts from the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages have welcomed the speed with which countries have adapted online courses to give access to learning for all ages and urged them to go even further to support learners. They are calling for countries to develop comprehensive strategies for distance education to complement face to face learning in and of regional and minority languages.
“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.
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.
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How is your health protected under the European Convention on Human Rights?
See some examples how the ECHR promotes access to proper health care, the safeguarding of people with mental health issues, and lots more.