Контент с тегом .
Speech
The urgency of a Council of Europe legal instrument on the right to a healthy environment
Dear friends, I am delighted to be here. I consider it an honour to be at the first ever European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders. I too hope that it will not be the last, and I too hope that the next one will have more states participating. I would like to begin by offering my...
Annual activity report
In the midst of a "change of era," Council of Europe Commissioner urges action to reclaim the treasure of human rights that we risk losing
Presenting his 2025 Annual Activity Report to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, warned that Europe, and the rest of the world, is no longer merely in an "era of change" but is experiencing a profound...
Oral intervention
Hearing of the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye (no.2)
Thank you, Mr President, Distinguished members of the Court, This case, of course, concerns the rights of Mr Kavala as an individual. At the same time, it points to the ongoing structural challenges facing human rights defenders in Türkiye. I address the Court to share insight from my own work...
Third party intervention
Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in the ECtHR case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye (no.2)
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty participated today in the Grand Chamber Hearing of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye (no.2). This case concerns the detention of Mr. Kavala after the judgment of the Court delivered on 10...
Speech
Civil society under pressure: reversing the erosion of civic space and ensuring its vital role in Europe
Speech delivered by Michael O'Flaherty at the International Conference "Shaping democratic renewal: civic space and the path to a New Democratic Pact for Europe" in Strasbourg. Secretary General, Ambassador Cujbă, dear friends, thank you very much for the invitation to address this important...
Statement
Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
“I am concerned by the proposed amendments to seven different laws, which if adopted, would impose significant restrictions on civil society organisations. These proposals are inconsistent with Georgia’s obligations under international law to guarantee the right to freedom of association. I ask...
Commissioner's Shout Out
Alarming trends: the crisis facing civil society and human rights defenders in Europe
Alarming trends: the crisis facing civil society and human rights defenders in Europe – Commissioner O’Flaherty “Last week, I met with human rights defenders and civil society activists in Strasbourg and in Brussels. Some are in exile, some are on the brink of leaving their country, others are...
Speech
Externalised migration policies, Roma and Travellers and pressure on civil society discussed with the Committee of Ministers
The Commissioner held an exchange of views with the Committee of Ministers on Wednesday 3 September. Below is the published version of his introductory remarks: Dear President, dear ambassadors, It is a great pleasure to be back with you. I look forward to meeting those of you who are new to your...
Statement
Commissioner is concerned about intrusive inquiries into NGOs that are at odds with Georgia’s human rights commitments
“I am following with concern recent developments in Georgia, which represent a significant escalation in the pressure being applied to civil society” said Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. Two weeks ago, at least eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs)...
Statement
Azerbaijan: the Commissioner reiterates his call for the release of imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists
“ I am concerned by the criminal conviction of 7 journalists of Abzas media in Azerbaijan, who received prison sentences of 7,5 to 9 years. I reiterate my call for the release of all human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists imprisoned for their legitimate work or for...
Letter
Commissioner asks Hungary’s Parliament not to adopt law that stifles civil society
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting the Draft Law on Transparency of Public Life unless it is amended to comply with international human rights law, notably freedom of expression and association,...
Statement
Azerbaijan: authorities should release imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists
“I am following with concern the criminal proceedings against Anar Mammadli,” said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, today. “Mr Mammadli was arrested exactly one year ago and remains in detention awaiting trial on charges of foreign currency smuggling, tax...
Statement
Serbia: authorities should ensure safety of demonstrators and improve working environment for civil society and human rights defenders
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a mission to Serbia from 25 to 27 April 2025, focusing on policing of demonstrations and on the working environment for civil society and human rights defenders. The mission was carried out in the context of the...
Letter
The Slovak Parliament should not adopt legislation that threatens civil society
In a letter addressed to the Slovak Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting a draft law on non-profit organisations or any amendments which are not fully in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. Following a letter about the draft law...
Letter
Hungary should reconsider the law on assemblies and refrain from adopting legislative proposals which threaten the human rights of LGBTI people
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks members of Parliament to reconsider the amendment to the Law on the right to assembly, which effectively bans events like Pride marches. He also urges them to refrain from adopting pending...
Memorandum
Commissioner for Human Rights Calls for Stronger Protection of Human Rights in Georgia
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a memorandum on the human rights situation in Georgia, outlining his concerns and recommendations regarding the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, the protection of civil society, and...
Country visit
Georgia: Protect freedom of assembly and expression, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end stigmatisation of NGOs and LGBTI people
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, visited Georgia from 21 to 23 January 2025. He expresses his gratitude to the Georgian authorities for their cooperation and for the open discussions. During the visit he engaged extensively with authorities and civil...
Letter
Azerbaijan: Commissioner asks for release of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists
Commissioner O’Flaherty published today a letter he addressed to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in which he asks the authorities for the immediate release of all human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists who are imprisoned for their legitimate work or for...
Speech
Ombuds Institutions / NHRIs amid Turbulent Times: Resilience and Challenges
Online speech by Michael O’Flaherty on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia at the Conference “Ombuds Institutions / NHRIs amid Turbulent Times: Resilience and Challenges” Good morning. Your Excellencies, Madame Human Rights Defender, distinguished...
Keynote address
The Artist as Defender of Human Rights
Keynote address 'The Artist as Defender of Human Rights', by Michael O’Flaherty, delivered at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Ireland, at the Special Evening Lecture organised as part of the exhibition La Grande Illusion by artist Brian Maguire on 9 October 2024. When I was a child of eight or...
Речь
Обмен мнениями между Комиссаром по правам человека и Комитетом ПАСЕ по вопросам равенства и недискриминации
Выступление по случаю обмена мнениями между Комиссаром по правам человека и Комитетом ПАСЕ по равенству и недискриминацииpeech Речь на английском языке. Chairperson, esteemed members of the Committee, Thank you very much for this opportunity to exchange views. Cooperation between this Committee...
Речь
Комиссар обещает сделать приоритетом защиту гражданского общества
Речь, произнесенная по случаю Конференции международных неправительственных организаций Совета Европы (CINGO): Речь на английском языке. “Dear friends, Thank you for inviting me to this exchange of views with the Council of Europe’s Conference of International non-Governmental Organisations....
ЗАЯВЛЕНИЕ
Грузия: в демократическом обществе нет места для политических манипуляций и притеснения ЛГБТИ и правозащитников
«Я выражаю обеспокоенность нынешним политическим дискурсом в Грузии, иллюстрацией которого является сделанное партией «Грузинская мечта» заявление об инициативе, связанной с внесением поправок в Конституцию и принятием нового конституционного закона о «Защите семейных ценностей и прав...
РЕКОМЕНДАЦИЯ
Европа должна прекратить репрессии в отношении правозащитников, помогающих беженцам, просителям убежища и мигрантам
«По всей Европе отдельные лица и организации сталкиваются с растущими преследованиями, запугиваниями, насилием и криминализацией просто за то, что они способствуют защите прав беженцев, просителей убежища и мигрантов. Европейские государства должны прекратить эти репрессии», – заявила сегодня...
Заявление
Россия: решение объявить «международное ЛГБТИ-движение» экстремистским — это серьёзная атака на ЛГБТИ и правозащитников
«признание Верховным судом России «международного ЛГБТИ-движения» экстремистским является серьезной атакой на ЛГБТИ-людей и тех, кто защищает их права человека», - заявила сегодня Комиссар Совета Европы по правам человека Дуня Миятович. «Это решение противоречит основополагающему принципу,...
Заявление
Андорра: необходимо гарантировать право на свободу выражения мнения защитнице прав женщин Ванессе Мендосе Кортес и обеспечить благоприятную среду для защитников прав женщин
«Уголовное разбирательство в отношении правозащитницы Ванессы Мендосы Кортес ограничивает ее свободу выражения мнений и оказывает сдерживающее воздействие на работу правозащитников и других лиц, защищающих права женщин и девочек в Андорре», — заявила Совет Комиссар Европы по правам человека Дуня...
Заявление
Венгрия: предложение о введении законопроектов о «защите национального суверенитета» следует отклонить
Венгрии следует отказаться от «предложения о создании «Управления по защите суверенитета», которое планируется наделить широкими полномочиями по расследованию деятельности любой организации или лица, подозреваемых в служении иностранным интересам или в создании угрозы национальному суверенитету,...
Заявление
Нападение на Елену Милашину и Александра Немова - это преступление, которое не должно остаться безнаказанным
«Сегодняшнее жестокое нападение на журналистку «Новой газеты» Елену Милашину и адвоката Александра Немова в Чеченской Республике является ужасающим актом насилия, демонстрирующим презрение к человеческому достоинству и важности свободы прессы», — заявила Комиссар Совета Европы по правам человека...
Заявление
Тюремный приговор Насте Лойке — еще одна иллюстрация систематических репрессий против правозащитников в Беларуси
«Уголовное преследование и приговор известной правозащитнице Насте Лойке к семи годам лишения свободы является еще одной иллюстрацией систематических репрессий против гражданского общества и критических голосов, разворачивающихся в Беларуси после президентских выборов 2020 года», — заявила...
Заявление
Суд над Олегом Орловым - это пародия на правосудие
«Суд над Олегом Орловым, который начинается завтра, является пародией на правосудие, демонстрирующей пренебрежение самыми элементарными правами человека», – заявила сегодня Комиссар Совета Европы по правам человека Дуня Миятович. «Олегу Орлову — известному правозащитнику и давнему партнеру моего...