28/01/2015 Session
The economic crisis has hit the majority of Council of Europe member states, with the negative consequences reaching far beyond the economic sphere, also affecting the enjoyment of human rights and equality.
Adopting a resolution following a debate on the report by Nikolaj Villumsen (Denmark, UEL), the PACE called on all member states to “invest in equality as a way of tackling the crisis and take measures to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on the most vulnerable categories of people”.
The Assembly also called on member states to step up efforts to combat the rise of racism and xenophobia and condemn hate speech, irrespective of the economic context. The Assembly once again asserted its conviction that “maintaining a high level of social protection and combating inequalities can contribute to stimulating growth and to reducing poverty in the long term.”