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Corrupt elites as a threat to democracy

22/04/2015 | Political Affairs and Democracy

What is the link between corruption and democracy? How can corruption undermine the pillars of the rule of law? These were the questions posed by Michele Nicoletti as he opened a hearing on "Corrupt elites as a threat to democracy".

Stabilising Libya situation crucial for solving Europe’s migration crisis, says rapporteur

22/04/2015 | Migration, International Protection and Economic Co-operation

PACE rapporteur Tineke Strik called on European states and organisations to make Libya a priority as they develop new policy and operational responses to the growing migration crisis in the Mediterranean.

Marseille’s Mediterranean Museum honoured in Strasbourg ceremony

22/04/2015 | Prizes

Marseille’s Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) was yesterday awarded the Council of Europe’s prestigious Museum Prize at a ceremony in Strasbourg.

Procedures 'based on self-determination' for changing gender on ID documents

22/04/2015 | Session

Transgender people should be able to change their name and gender on identity documents, and European governments should “develop quick, transparent and accessible procedures” for this, “based on self-determination”.

Didier Reynders: The cradle of our civilisation must not become the grave of those aspiring to be part of it

22/04/2015 | Session

“It is totally contrary to our vision and our values that the cradle of our civilisation should become the grave of those aspiring to be part of it”, said Didier Reynders, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers.

Putting the child’s best interest first in any placement decision

22/04/2015 | Session

In a resolution adopted today, the Assembly called upon member States to introduce laws and procedures that put the best interest of the child first in any placement, removal and reunification decisions.

Corrupt elites as a threat to democracy

22/04/2015 | Rules, Ethics and Immunities

What is the link between corruption and democracy? How can corruption undermine the pillars of the rule of law? These were the questions posed by Michele Nicoletti as he opened a hearing on "Corrupt elites as a threat to democracy".

PACE committee shocked by severity of sentence on Azeri human rights activist Rasul Jafarov

21/04/2015 | Legal Affairs and Human Rights

The committee has condemned the conviction of Rasul Jafarov, a prominent Azerbaijani civil society activist, and is shocked by the severity of the sentence pronounced upon him by the Baku Grave Crimes Court.

PACE to debate call for re-run of Qatar World Cup bid

21/04/2015 | Session

Parliamentarians will on Thursday debate a call on FIFA, football’s world governing body, to hold a new vote on the 2022 World Cup awarded to Qatar because of “illegal payments” made to secure the Cup.

The King of the Belgians: ‘let us build and preserve a decent society’

21/04/2015 | Session

In his speech to the Parliamentary Assembly, the King of the Belgians called for the establishment and preservation of a decent society, expressing his regret at “too many situations in which men and women are not treated with dignity”.

Belarus: signs of opening-up must be followed by concrete steps

21/04/2015 | Political Affairs and Democracy

Belarus has shown signs of opening-up, which I hope will be followed by concrete steps that could lead to improve the human rights situation and the normalisation of relations with the Council of Europe, said M. Rigoni.

Call for more help for refugees fleeing “Islamic State” terror

21/04/2015 | Session

In the face of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by the actions of the terrorist group known as “Islamic State”, the Assembly has reiterated its appeal to States to show solidarity.