Congress President Leendert Verbeek met with the President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Robert Spano on 21 September 2021 in Strasbourg to discuss issues of common interest in the area of Human Rights.

The two Presidents underlined the importance of the European Convention of Human Rights - the keystone text of the Council of Europe - and the importance of relying on all levels of government to promote and ensure compliance with human rights.

Local and regional authorities play a particular part in making human rights a reality at the grassroot level. Indeed, a number of cases brought before the ECHR result from acts and decisions of municipalities, cities and regions. The preventive role of the Congress in raising awareness of mayors and councillors on human rights is thus essential. The Congress has published a "Human Rights Handbook", a practical tool intended to raise awareness among local and regional elected representatives and administrations.

President Spano will address the Congress members at one of its forthcoming sessions.

 Human Rights Handbook:  Vol.1 “Fight against discriminations” – Vol. 2 “Social rights”

 The Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights - Local and Regional Authorities