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Speech by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

President Egils Levits, Former President of Latvia, Former Judge of the European Court of Human Rights,
Ambassador Daniela Cujbă, 
Excellencies,
Dear friends,
I am delighted to welcome you to this important conference — the ON Forum — bringing together National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudspersons from throughout Europe.
The overarching theme over these two days is about addressing actions that undermine democratic processes. 

A theme that fits nicely into our ongoing, broader discussion on the future of our democracies and the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
This is also a key priority for our cohosts, the Moldovan Presidency in the Committee of Ministers — and I thank them for including this important event in their programme.

Our gratitude goes also to the European Court of Human Rights, and the Directorate General for Human Rights and Rule of Law.
I am particularly pleased that this conference is being held for the second time — and I hope it will become an annual event.

Because, as I said last year, we need this type of meeting places where we can discuss, identify concrete measures and initiatives to help address issues of concern.

And sadly, there is nothing we need more than that in Europe and the world right now.

I don’t need to give you a complete list of the serious challenges we face, as you know it well, but the agenda you have in front of you points it out very well.

From foreign interference in democratic processes — to the erosion of checks and balances — to freedom of expression — this conference highlights the topics that are critical for all of us, and in particular the civil society sector in 2026.

And I am also glad to see the strong participation of young people in this high-level conference.
We need to listen more carefully to you.
But in general, we need to never forget the key role of civil society for any functioning democracy.

Because without civil society acting to safeguard fundamental freedoms and human rights, democracy will not function the way it should.

On top of it, human rights organisations, ombudspersons and civil society generally,  all of you  form a crucial line of defence against democratic backsliding.

Dear friends,
Civil society — our crucial line of defence — is being hit hard today.
We see it around the world, as civic space is shrinking.
Through legislation and different initiatives, attempts are being made to inhibit freedom of the press, to clamp down on freedom of association, and to polarise debate — sometimes through foreign interference in states’ own democratic processes — including the most sacred of them all — the holding of free and fair elections.

Last year, CIVICUS — a global alliance that monitors the state of civil society in 196 countries — released a report explaining to us that only 18 out of 46 Council of Europe member states have what is considered “open” civic space.

And a clear ruling from the European Court of Human Rights four years ago has evidently not stopped some countries from moving ahead with so-called “foreign agent” laws.
These target organisations merely for receiving support from abroad.

And as a consequence of course, funding has plummeted.
On top of it, we have of course the sudden disappearance of USAID’s funding that benefitted a large number of civil society organisations not only in Europe, but across the globe.

But what is worrying is that those who suffered the most were human rights defenders and civil society organisations that criticise government policies, expose corruption or defend vulnerable groups.

Many of them were stigmatised, victims of online campaigns, registration barriers and numerous SLAPPs — abusive lawsuits designed to silence journalists and others who speak out.

Overall, it contributed to an environment of intimidation and fear.
And it is no big surprise that women’s rights groups, migrant defenders, and those working with minorities are hit the hardest.

Meanwhile, Russia’s war of aggression continues in Ukraine — a war on the people of Ukraine, but also on democracy, human rights, accountability, and everything that the Council of Europe stands for.
And now there is an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
On top of it, a rule-based international order is being severely undermined, and this should be a wake-up call to all of us. 

A call to act – to adapt, innovate and identify effective tools to protect human rights, strengthen democracy and uphold the rule of law.
As I mentioned in the beginning, the Secretary General last year launched an important process – a broad and open invitation to see how we together can strengthen and revitalise democracy – a New Democratic Pact for Europe.

An initiative that will help us protect the progress, peace and stability we have been defending for more than 75 years.

I encourage you all to contribute to this important work, as we try to identify new and better policies, toolkits and the best democratic practices.

Let me be a little more concrete.
Over the years, we have developed tools and standards including the “Venice Principles on the protection and promotion of the Ombudsman Institution”.
As you know, the Venice Principles have been complemented by several Committee of Ministers’ recommendations regarding the protection and strengthening of the roles of ombudspersons and human rights institutions. 

And now there will be a high-level panel on the Venice Principles by the presidency of the UN General Assembly.
This is good news and indeed very helpful.
This should further help us reach out far beyond Europe and stimulate a broad and important discussion around the globe.

We also have other initiatives that look at how National Human Rights Institutions can contribute further to the work of the European Court of Human Rights, and I note that a dedicated workshop on the execution of judgments is scheduled for later this year.

Among many other examples of cooperation, the Council of Europe also provides support to National Prevention Mechanisms to enhance independent monitoring of places of detention, facilitate knowledge exchanges and capacity-building.
We also have important programs supporting human rights in the armed forces, including countries such as Armenia and Ukraine.

Dear friends,
We are already working together in so many ways, but this Forum is a great opportunity to do even more.

This is not “breaking news” – but your contribution is vital as we seek the creative solutions on the path to democratic security.

You see that your presence, your commitment and your belief in democracy are proof that despite the odds, civil society in Europe actually refuses to retreat.
By doing this, you are not only defending our values — you are renewing them with every positive action that you take.
And never forget that in a healthy democracy, respectful dissent, peaceful protest and sincere dialogue are not threats or something to fear.

No, they are pillars on which to build an engaged and thriving community and help strengthen our democracies.