The  COE-FRA-ENNHRI-EQUINET Collaborative Platform on Social and Economic Rights, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 2 October, in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

A high-level round table discussion, organised in cooperation with the Scottish Human Rights Commission, at the University of Edinburgh offered participants the opportunity to take stock and reflect on a decade of joint efforts in advancing social and economic rights across Europe, but also to celebrate the continued commitment of National Human Rights Institutions and Equality Bodies across Europe to advancing economic and social rights.

Senior representatives, including Rafael BENITEZ, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, Council of Europe, Debbie KOHNER, Secretary General of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), Tamas KADAR, Co-Director of EQUINET, Piotr SADOWSKI, Secretary General of Volonteurope & Vice President of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, discussed achievements, challenges, and priorities for the next decade.

“At the heart of this Platform lies a simple but powerful idea: that social and economic rights are human rights – essential to people’s dignity, equality, and participation in society. This anniversary gives us a valuable opportunity not only to celebrate a decade of joint work, but also to reflect all together on the challenges we have faced, and to look ahead to what the next years might hold.” - said Mr Benitez

Participants also visited the Scotland’s democratic heart: the Scottish Parliament, where they were welcomed  by Annabelle Ewing, Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rafael Benítez and Rosemary Agnew, Member of the Scottish Human Rights Commission.