What measures should be taken against the trade in goods used for the purpose of execution or torture?

31.03.2021 – In a Recommendation adopted today (CM/Rec(2021)2), the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers invites member States to take measures against the trade in goods used for the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Committee is indeed deeply concerned by the fact that certain equipment and goods whose only practical use is for torture can be produced, promoted or marketed in Council of Europe member States, including at European trade fairs or on the websites of European companies and companies based in Europe.

Member States are thus invited to regularly review their national legislation and practice related to the trade in goods that are inherently abusive, as well as in goods which can be misused for the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in order to make sure that they comply with the measures set out in the Recommendation.

This text reflects the Council of Europe’s unwavering commitment to the abolition of the death penalty and the obligation of its 47 member states, all Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights, to prohibit torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Committee of Ministers adopts a Recommendation to strengthen national human rights institutions

31.03.2021 – The Committee of Ministers has adopted a Recommendation (CM/Rec(2021)1) to its member States on the development and strengthening of effective, pluralist and independent national human rights institutions (NHRIs).

Such institutions are among the pillars of respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy. They are an important link between government and civil society, insofar as they help bridge the potential protection gap between the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of the State.

However, NHRIs and their members and staff are at times exposed to challenging working conditions, threats, pressures, and attacks.

The Recommendation aims at ensuring that these institutions are established and governed in accordance with the minimum standards set out in the Paris Principles, in particular as regards their terms of reference and competence to promote and protect all human rights for everyone and their autonomy from government.

Work undertaken by the Drafting Group on Civil Society and National Human Rights Institutions (CDDH-INST) from 2016 to 2020