Terrorism and Human Rights - News
International Conference on the Abuse of Livestreaming, Gaming and Virtual Reality Services and Platforms by Terrorist Actors
On 6-7 November 2023, the Council of Europe Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT) held the International Conference on the Abuse of Livestreaming, Gaming and Virtual Reality Services and Platforms by Terrorist Actors at the Council of Europe headquarters and through Zoom. The Conference focused...
The Council of Europe Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT) held its 11th Plenary meeting on 11 – 13 December in Helsinki, Finland
The meeting focused on the negotiations on a pan-European definition of terrorism for the purposes of the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (CETS No 196). The new definition ensures that all contemporary and foreseeable manifestations of terrorism are adequately covered by the Convention....
Aniversario de los ataques de Oslo y Utøya: “debemos seguir sacando lecciones de este acto terrorista”, según el presidente de la APCE
“Hace 12 años, 77 personas inocentes fueron masacradas en Noruega por un terrorista de extrema derecha en lo que fue el ataque más mortífero en la historia noruega desde el final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. La mayor parte de las víctimas eran adolescentes que participaban en un campamento de...
El Consejo de Europa adopta la nueva estrategia antiterrorista para 2023-2027
En respuesta a la naturaleza en constante evolución de las amenazas terroristas en Europa, el Consejo de Europa ha adoptado hoy una estrategia antiterrorista para 2023-2027 que aporta nuevas herramientas y respuestas concretas a los desafíos persistentes y emergentes a los que se enfrentan las...
MONEYVAL: Estonia debe seguir reforzando el papel del sector privado y el trabajo de las fuerzas de seguridad para combatir el blanqueo de capitales y la financiación del terrorismo
En un nuevo informe, el órgano contra el blanqueo de capitales del Consejo de Europa, MONEYVAL, anima a Estonia a seguir reforzando las medidas para combatir el blanqueo de capitales y la financiación del terrorismo, entre otras cosas, reforzando las capacidades y la actuación del sector privado...
MONEYVAL: Hungría mejora su calificación tras introducir mejoras en la lucha contra el blanqueo de capitales y la financiación del terrorismo
Hungría ha mejorado las medidas para combatir el blanqueo de capitales y la financiación del terrorismo, demostrando un avance notable en el nivel de cumplimiento de las normas del FATF-GAFI (Grupo de acción financiera internacional), según un nuevo informe de seguimiento del órgano contra el...
Foreign terrorist fighters: new recommendation on the use of information collected in conflict zones as evidence in criminal proceedings
The Committee of Ministers has adopted a Recommendation on the use of information collected in conflict zones as evidence in criminal proceedings related to terrorist offences. Prepared by the Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), the Recommendation provides guidance to member States on the...
Council of Europe recommends measures to protect children against radicalisation
As some children may be particularly vulnerable to messaging by terrorist associations and groups, including via social media, the Council of Europe has recommended a set of measures to help its 47 member states better protect children against radicalisation for the purpose of terrorism. Prepared...
MONEYVAL recognises progress made by the Holy See and encourages it to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism
In a new report MONEYVAL encourages the Holy See (including the Vatican City State) to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. The Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body draws up a comprehensive assessment of the country’s level of compliance...
Secretary General condemns Vienna terrorist attack
Statement by Marija Pejčinović Burić
Council of Europe leaders condemn terrorist attack in Nice
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Nice on Thursday. We condemn in the most vigorous way this heinous attack and we express our deepest condolences and our sympathy to the families of the victims. We also express our full and unconditional support and...
Protecting victims of terrorism
A workshop on the protection of victims of terrorist acts will be organised on Thursday 20 June in Strasbourg by the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Human Rights. Its aim is to raise awareness of the Council of Europe Guidelines (2017) on the protection of victims of terrorism and to...
Terrorist attack in Strasbourg
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland
Shooting at the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Statement by Timo Soini, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Misuse of anti-terror legislation threatens freedom of expression
“When terrorism spreads, states are often tempted to restrict fundamental freedoms for the sake of fighting it and preventing further attacks”, says Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in her Human Rights Comment published today. “Terrorism constitutes a serious...
The Council of Europe adopts a new counter-terrorism strategy for 2018-2022
In response to the acute terrorist threat in Europe, the Council of Europe today adopted a new strategy based on prevention, prosecution and protection, including assistance to victims. “We must improve the ability of our member states to prevent and combat terrorism, in full compliance with...
Council of Europe adopts new recommendation on terrorists acting alone
As Europe is confronted with returning terrorist fighters and lone-wolf terror attacks, the Council of Europe has recommended a set of measures to combat these dangers. In a recommendation adopted today, the Council’s Committee of Ministers reviews measures for preventing radicalisation, better...
Terrorist attack in Trèbes (France): The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers expresses his sorrow and solidarity with the French authorities
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Trèbes (France) earlier today, Minister Anders Samuelsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, conveys his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and his sympathy for those...
Le Secrétaire Général condamne les attaques de Carcassonne et Trèbes, en France
Le Secrétaire Général Thorbjørn Jagland a fait la déclaration suivante aujourd'hui : « Je condamne fermement les attaques perpétrées sur le sol de notre pays hôte, la France. Ces attaques ont lâchement ciblé des civils ainsi que des représentants des forces de l’ordre. Je salue l’action...
International conference on links between organised crime and terrorism
The Council of Europe, with the support of the City and the University of Málaga, is organising an international conference in Málaga (Spain) on 21 and 22 of September aimed at improving international co-operation to better address the interaction between transnational organised crime and...
Respecting fundamental rights, security forces and fight against terrorism
Conference held by Council of Europe and French Defender of Rights
Terrorist attacks in Spain
Statement by Lubomír Zaorálek, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Violence in Barcelona is an attack on Europe’s freedom and democracy
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland today issued the following statement, “Innocent people – children, adults, residents and visitors to one of Europe’s most attractive touristic cities have been hit by cowardly acts of violence. I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attacks in Barcelona. The...
Conference on reporting about terrorism: challenges and ethical dilemmas
The Council of Europe is organising a conference in Strasbourg on 19 June to discuss the responsibilities and the challenges that journalists face when reporting about terrorist attacks, including the widespread use of social media and the constraints created by anti-terrorist laws. The event...
London terrorist attack
Statement by Lubomír Zaorálek, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Statement by the Secretary General on the London attack
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made the following statement today following the attack in London last night that left several people dead and dozens wounded: "This was another cruel attack on our common values and freedoms. We stand united with our member state UK in the...
Terrorist attack in Manchester
Statement by Lubomír Zaorálek, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Secretary General expresses condolences to UK for victims of Manchester attack
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has written a letter of condolence to UK Prime Minister Theresa May following the terrorist attack at a pop concert in Manchester which has left at least 22 people dead and 59 injured. He said he was shocked to hear the news and his thoughts were with the...
Illicit trafficking and destruction of cultural property: Council of Europe’s new criminal law treaty opened for signature
Six states signed today in Nicosia (Cyprus) the Council of Europe Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property. Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal and San Marino as well as Mexico, one of the Organisation’s observer states, were the first to sign the convention, which is open for signature...
Victims of terrorism and refugees on agenda as Committee of Ministers meets in Cyprus
Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Council of Europe’s 47 member states will meet in Nicosia (Cyprus) on 19 May. Agenda highlights include a new convention against trafficking of cultural property (including by terrorists who are financed by such trafficking), innovative guidelines to protect...
Combatting illicit trafficking and destruction of cultural property: Council of Europe adopts new convention
The Council of Europe today adopted a new criminal law convention to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking and destruction of cultural property, in the framework of the Organisation’s action to fight terrorism and organised crime. The Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property,...
Terrorist attack in Stockholm
Statement from Ioannis Kasoulides, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Stockholm attack
In a first reaction to the Stockholm truck attack today Secretary General Jagland said: “I am shocked by the sad news from Stockholm. It looks like another attack on our common values and freedoms, another attack on a vibrant European city. My thoughts go to Sweden and the people of Stockholm.”
Saint-Petersburg metro attack: Secretary General conveys message of solidarity to Russian people
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, sent a letter to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, today, following deadly attacks in the Saint-Petersburg metro on 3 April. "I was shocked and greatly saddened by the news of the deadly attack perpetrated...
Attack in Saint Petersburg’s underground
Statement by Ioannis Kasoulides, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
G7-Culture Florence: Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland to present forthcoming Blood Antiquities Convention
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland will take part on 30-31 March in Florence (Italy) in the G7 Ministerial meeting on Culture: Culture as a tool for dialogue among peoples. The G7-Culture will focus on the protection of cultural heritage, fight against traffic of artistic and historic items and...
Terrorist attack in London
Statement by Ioannis Kasoulides, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
London attack: statement by Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland
Reacting to the events in London this afternoon, the Secretary General of the 47-nation Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, said: “I am very alarmed by the events in Westminster this afternoon, which appear to have resulted in a number of casualties. Our thoughts are with all those hurt or...
Secretary General addresses PACE: tackling the challenges of populism, fake news, terrorism and migration; the situation in Turkey
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland attributed the rise of populism in Europe and elsewhere to a widespread loss of faith in democratic institutions. He said the solution was to find answers to the everyday problems faced by...
Terrorist attack in Jerusalem, Israel
Statement by Thorbjørn Jagland, Council of Europe Secretary General
New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in Istanbul
Statement by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Council of Europe colloquy on protecting cultural heritage from destruction and trafficking
High-level representatives from international organisations and national governments, as well as academic experts, are in Strasbourg today for a colloquy aimed at strengthening cooperation to protect cultural heritage from wanton destruction and preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural...
Secretary General Jagland condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland condemning the terrorist attack in Istanbul "In these first hours of 2017, my heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected by the bloody terrorist attack on innocent people in Istanbul who were celebrating the New Year. The Council of...
Recent terrorist attacks in Europe
Statement by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Suspected terrorist attack in Berlin: Secretary General statement
'The Council of Europe mourns with Germany today for the victims of the suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Berlin which killed and injured so many innocent people. The responsible way in which the German authorities are handling and communicating this crisis is exemplary. I express...
Statement by Secretary General Jagland on murder of Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the assassination of the Russian Federation's Ambassador to Turkey in Ankara today. I present my sincere condolences to the Russian authorities and to the family and colleagues of Ambassador Karlov. All of us at the Council of Europe express our solidarity...
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland condemns terrorist attack in Turkey
Statement on bomb attack in Turkish city of Kayseri
Secretary General condemns terrorist attacks in Turkey, conveys condolences
Statement on the Istanbul bomb attacks
National human rights structures: protecting human rights while countering terrorism
Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks publishes his latest Human Rights Comment
Counter-terrorism operations in the South East of Turkey caused widespread human rights violations
“Numerous human rights of a very large civilian population in South-Eastern Turkey have been violated as a result of curfews imposed and anti-terrorism operations conducted there since August 2015. I call on Turkey to stop using curfews in such a manner, investigate all allegations of human...
Interview with Antoine Leiris, whose wife died in the terrorist attack on the Bataclan in Paris on November 13, 2015.
MONEYVAL's annual report: anti-terrorist financing measures not fully exploited yet
Following the publication today of MONEYVAL's annual report, its Chair, Daniel Thelesklaf, pointed out that identifying the financing of terrorism has not yet been fully exploited as a strategy in the overall fight against terrorism. “We are struggling to find ways how to better combat terrorism....
Thorbjørn Jagland condems terrorist attack in Gaziantep
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has expressed in a letter to President Erdoğan his condolences on the terror attack on 20 August in Gaziantep. In a statement directly after the attack on Sunday, the Secretary General said: "I am devastated by the atrocious bomb attack in our member...
Terrorist or repairman?
In this spot, made by students at Lisbon's Lusofona University in support of the Living Together in diversity campaign, our stereotypes of Islamic terrorism are challenged when a seemingly sinister activity turns out to have a completely innocent purpose.
Terrorist attack in Nice
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers
Secretary General Jagland condemns the horrific terrorist attack in Nice
“On 14 July, the day when France and the world celebrate the birth of the French Republic, when the call to ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité’ rings in the hearts of all democrats, the host nation of the Council of Europe has been the scene of another murderous attack. Our Organisation stands...
Istanbul: Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland condemns terrorist attacks
On Wednesday Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made the following statement: “Our member state Turkey has suffered another horrific terrorist attack. Once again so many innocent people have been killed and hurt on European soil. All Council of Europe member states must stand together in the...
Terrorism: #NoHateNoFear, a PACE initiative
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) today launched a #NoHateNoFear initative to counter terrorism. At a special ceremony, parliamentarians stood up to say NO to hate and fear. They committed to follow up on this initiative in their national parliaments. "We have to prevent the...
New ECHR/HELP training videos – one on asylum and the second on terrorism
The European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s HELP programme (Human rights Education for Legal Professionals) have released two new training videos in the pilot series COURTalks-disCOURs. The 25-minute videos, based on educational talks from lawyers at the Court, are geared to...
Statement of Secretary General Jagland on the terrorist attack in Istanbul today
"Again a deadly attack in Istanbul has killed and injured so many innocent people in the nation's largest city. I am devastated by the news and cannot but repeat that these ruthless attacks are attacks on our values - on us all. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, the...
Our fundamental values may not be sacrificed in the fight against terrorism, says Austrian President
Speaking on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Austria’s membership in the Council of Europe, the Austrian President Heinz Fischer underlined the importance of the 47-nation organisation as an irreplaceable platform where new forms of intergovernmental and parliamentary co-operation were and...
Le Président de l'Assemblée parlementaire appelle à faire bloc face au terrorisme
Dans son discours d’ouverture de la session de printemps de l’Assemblée parlementaire aujourd’hui à Strasbourg, Pedro Agramunt a mis en garde contre l’adoption de mesures et de politiques restrictives radicales. « Face à une attaque barbare, la réaction la plus immédiate consiste souvent à durcir...
Turkey: security trumping human rights, free expression under threat
Statement by Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks at the end of his visit to Istanbul, Diyarbakir and Ankara
Statement by the Committee of Ministers on the terrorist attacks in Turkey and Belgium
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, representing the governments of the 47 member States, today condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attacks carried out in Turkey and more recently in Belgium. In a Statement, the Committee of Ministers paid homage to the memory of the...
Jagland: Brussels terrorist attacks targeted European values
At a news conference today, following a meeting with Bujar Nishani, President of the Republic of Albania who is paying an official visit to the Council of Europe, Secretary General Jagland expressed his sympathy and condolences to the people of Belgium after explosions in Brussels claimed several...
Terrorist attacks in Brussels
Statement by Daniel Mitov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
Guidelines to prevent radicalisation in prisons
The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 47 member states to prevent the radicalisation of prisoners and people under probation, and rehabilitate individuals who have already become radicalised. According to official reports, some perpetrators of terrorist acts have in recent...
Terrorist attack in Ankara
Statement by Daniel Mitov, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
Anti-money laundering measures and financing of terrorism report on Armenia
Armenia urged to develop an effective national policy to investigate and prosecute money laundering
The fight against terrorism will continue to be a priority far beyond our chairmanship
Allocution by Daniel Mitov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers
Response to terrorism must be resolute, says Secretary General in the wake of Istanbul attack
Following today’s bomb attack in Istanbul that claimed at least ten lives and left more people injured, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland expressed his solidarity with Turkey’s people and leadership conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of victims, many of...
Istanbul terrorist attack
Statement by Daniel Mitov, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
How Europe can defeat terrorism
A “resolute and relentless” response to armed fanatics, “anchored by human rights first-principles,” can help democracies to defeat terrorism, according to Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. He marked the one year anniversary of the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket...
“Islamic State” are not a state, nor are they Islamic - Terror has no religion
Secretary General warns against maligning or marginalising any religious group
Fighting radicalisation and promoting dialogue at Lisbon Forum
In the wake of recent terror attacks that struck Paris, Bamako and Tunis, this year’s Lisbon Forum – How to combat radicalisation and terrorism – is of greater relevance than ever. From 3-4 December at Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre, some 300 government and NGO representatives, educators and legal...
Terrorism can be fought through better cooperation
The Consultative Council of European Prosecutors (CCPE) publishes a Declaration on the fight against terrorism
Paris terrorist attacks: Statement by the Committee of Ministers
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, representing the governments of the 47 member States, condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric attacks carried out in Paris last Friday. It pays homage to the memory of the many victims and extends its deepest sympathy to their families and...
"Bring the spirit of resistance alive" - Jean-Claude Frécon reacts to attacks in Paris
Reacting to the terrible events in Paris, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Jean-Claude Frécon, said: ''Paris, a city that is the symbol of cultures and of freedom, has been hit by the terrorism of Isis: a nameless barbarism has struck the...
Shock and sorrow: Anne Brasseur reacts to the Paris attacks
"I am deeply shocked and utterly appalled by the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated last night in Paris. On behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims as well as to the people of France," said...
Terrorist attacks in Paris
Statement by Daniel Mitov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers
Attacks in Paris: Statement by Thorbjørn Jagland
"I am shocked by the horrific attacks in Paris last night. Our solidarity and thoughts are with the people of France today and with President Hollande. The terrorists aimed to attack our freedom, democracy and human rights. But Europe will stand strong in defending our common values". Letter to...
Foreign terrorist fighters
Eighteen signatories open the way by signing new Additional Protocol to Convention on Prevention of Terrorism
Foreign terrorist fighters
Council of Europe to launch new legal arsenal
Secretary General condemns attacks in Tunisia and France
Jagland calls for closer international cooperation to combat terrorism
Thorbjørn Jagland: Fight against violent extremism is a battle of ideas
Address to United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee
Turkish extremist attack
“We must be united in fighting terrorism and united in fighting its causes”
Council of Europe on Copenhagen attacks
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, meeting today in Strasbourg, firmly condemned the deadly attacks at the weekend against a cultural centre and a synagogue in Copenhagen. In a Declaration adopted by the 47 Council of Europe member states, the committee stressed that these...
Terrorist attack against 'Charlie Hebdo' magazine
Statement by Didier Reynders, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe "I am deeply shocked by the horrendous attack committed this morning in Paris against “Charlie Hebdo” magazine. On behalf of the Committee of...
'Charlie Hebdo' massacre, attack on democratic society
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland participated in Unity Rally in Paris