The outgoing President of GREVIO, Professor Feride Acar, was awarded the Council of Europe Pro Merito Medal in recognition of her commitment to the Council of Europe’s values and work.

In her remarks, Director General of Democracy Snezana Samardzic-Markovic presenting the medal on behalf of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe thanked Professor Acar for her commitment and contribution to the Council of Europe work and activities to promote women’s rights and end discrimination and violence against women. She pointed out that Professor Acar’s professional expertise combined with her vision, leadership, her wisdom and capacity to build compromise and alliances and her diplomatic skills have established her as an authority who commands respect from all those involved in upholding and promoting women’s rights.

The ceremony was hosted by the Chair of the Committee of the Parties, the Permanent Representative of Norway to the Council of Europe Ambassador Elisabeth Walaas and attended by members of the GREVIO, members of the Platform of regional and international mechanisms on women’s rights, Ambassadors from the member states of the Council of Europe and representatives of other Council of Europe bodies.

You can read the full remarks from the Director General Markovic here and the statement from President of GREVIO Professor Acar here.