The Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) held a substantive online exchange of views with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty on 19 October 2026, focusing on young people’s access to rights, current human rights challenges, and opportunities to strengthen co-operation.

The discussion addressed young people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, policing in the context of demonstrations, and the protection of young human rights defenders. The Advisory Council on Youth raised concerns about restrictions on civic space and the use of criminal law in relation to peaceful protest and activism.

It was emphasised that many demands expressed through current protests concern longstanding issues raised by young people and their youth organisations, including access to social rights, housing, minority rights, education, and democratic participation. They recalled existing Council of Europe standards addressing these issues and stressed the importance of their implementation.

Other topics included young people’s access to information and participation online, the rights of young migrants and refugees, and the situation of young people affected by war and conflict. The Advisory Council on Youth underlined the representative role of youth organisations and their important contribution to ensuring that human rights discussions reflect young people’s experiences and concerns.

Concrete suggestions for closer co-operation included more regular thematic exchanges and contacts with youth organisations and national youth councils during the Commissioner’s country visits. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights expressed his support to amplify messages on young people’s rights and give greater visibility to youth perspectives in his human rights activities.