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Paulo Pisco (Portugal, SOC)
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For a European policy on diasporas

24/06/2021 | Session

The Parliamentary Assembly has called for the elaboration of a European policy on diasporas, and has suggested the Council of Europe should take the lead in this work. Adopting a resolution and recommendation based on a report by Paulo Pisco (Portugal, SOC), the parliamentarians spelled out a...

Alain / Fridez / Switzerland

A solidarity mechanism between European countries to relieve migratory pressure on front line countries

24/06/2021 | Session

"The values of our Organisation must be respected. We must show solidarity with the countries receiving these mixed flows of irregular migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and help protect the rights of these people, many of whom are extremely vulnerable", said Pierre Alain Fridez (Switzerland...

Momodou Malcolm Jallow (Sweden, UEL)
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A ‘window of opportunity’ for determined action to stamp out Afrophobia or anti-Black racism

24/06/2021 | Session

Racism, including Afrophobia or anti-Black racism, is still “rife in Europe”, according to PACE, but recent increased public awareness of the problem has created a “window of opportunity” for determined action to eradicate it. Approving a resolution based on a report by Momodou Malcolm Jallow...

Konstantin Kuhle

PACE sets out road-map for limiting foreign funding of political parties and campaigns

24/06/2021 | Session

PACE has condemned attempts by states to “interfere improperly or illicitly in democratic decision-making processes” in other states by funding political parties or campaigns – and set out a road-map for cracking down on the practice. Approving a resolution based on a report by Konstantin Kuhle...

Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
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Closer EU-Council of Europe cooperation is more important than ever, Secretary General tells PACE

23/06/2021 | Session

Responding to questions from members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić began by emphasising the importance of coordinating work with the European Union in order to avoid duplication. She underlined the shared values of the two...

Plenary Session, hemicycle
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Current affairs debate on the situation in Belarus

23/06/2021 | Session

“Belarus has become a threat to the whole of Europe, especially to neighbouring countries, with a real risk of destabilisation”, said Emanuelis Zingeris (Lithuania, EPP/CD), opening of a current affairs debate on this topic. Mr Zingeris referred to the forced landing of a civilian airliner by the...

Istanbul Convention event
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10th anniversary of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention: 'Nothing will make us back down'

23/06/2021 | Session

“As we seat here and debate, women will be beaten to death. And we are not just talking about a few cases, but about thousands and thousands and thousands of acts of violence. Just think about it”, PACE President Rik Daems said at the opening of an event organized in the framework of the PACE...

Eglantina Gjermeni (Albania, SOC)
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Enhancing participation of women from under-represented groups in political and public decision-making

23/06/2021 | Session

PACE today called on member States to promote the participation of women from under-represented groups in political decision-making by acting at several levels, with particular emphasis on combating gender-based stereotypes and sexism, access to public decision-making, and participation in...

Thorhildur Sunna Sunna Ævarsdóttir (Iceland, SOC)
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PACE condemns “grave human rights violations” committed against Crimean Tatars

23/06/2021 | Session

Reaffirming the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea, the Assembly condemned the “grave violations of human rights” that have been committed against Crimean Tatars, including killings and enforced disappearances, “which moreover have not since been subject to an effective investigation...

Roberto Rampi

A ‘right to know’ to combat disinformation and manipulation

22/06/2021 | Session

The Assembly urged European governments to create a broad “right to know” – consisting of maximum transparency in public life, a vibrant and diverse media, and a rich educational and cultural environment – in order to encourage democratic participation and combat “post-truth” disinformation and...

Damien Cottier
©Council of Europe

PACE clarifies legal and human rights pre-conditions for the use of Covid passes

22/06/2021 | Session

PACE has clarified the pre-conditions necessary for the use of Covid passes, declaring their use “fraught with legal and human rights complications”. The use of such passes, which would partially lift Covid restrictions for holders, “above all depends on a high degree of certainty about medical...

The European Court of Human Rights
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PACE elects Davor Derenčinović judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Croatia

22/06/2021 | Session

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) today elected Davor Derenčinović as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Croatia. Mr Derenčinović, having obtained an absolute majority of votes cast, is elected judge of the European Court of Human Rights for a term of...