The Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Metaverse Research Network (EMRN), organised a conference on Human Rights in Immersive Realities (XR): Freedom of Expression, Justice, Children’s Rights and Well-Being on 18–19 May 2026 in Strasbourg, under the auspices of the Monaco Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.
The conference buildt on recent work of the Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI), including the feasibility study on freedom of expression in immersive realities, and supported awareness-raising and reflection on how emerging XR technologies affect human rights, democratic values and the rule of law.
A distinctive feature of the event was its format, which combined institutional expertise with academic research through a call for papers coordinated by EMRN. This approach brought together Council of Europe experts, researchers and practitioners, with particular attention to the participation of early-career and young researchers, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and exchange of perspectives.
The programme addressed key issues such as freedom of expression in immersive environments, children’s rights and safety, justice and jurisdiction in virtual spaces, as well as health, ethics and well-being. It also included hands-on demonstrations of immersive technologies, allowing participants to engage directly with XR applications and better understand their societal implications.
The conference further contributed to the ongoing consultation process towards a New Democratic Pact by exploring how immersive technologies may shape democratic participation and public debate.
Agenda and details on the webpage of the event.
The conference can be followed online here too:
Meeting ID: 674 4416 1946 Passcode: 937839 https://coe-int.zoom.us/j/67444161946?pwd=e3W4OmXaUwmGbHvtMgfSXELr2SRaXA.1