28/06/2012 | Session
The recent creation of a new EU Special Representative on Human Rights may be unnecessary duplication of work already being done by the Council of Europe, warned Anne Brasseur (Luxembourg, ALDE), opening a current affairs debate today on European institutions and human rights in Europe.
28/06/2012 | Session
Concerned about the critical situation of Roma migrants in Europe, the Assembly today called on the Committee of Ministers to encourage member States to put an end to the collective expulsion of Roma, to reconsider their forced return policies of Roma to Kosovo, and to take the necessary steps to naturalise stateless Roma.
27/06/2012 | Session
Many Muslim women want to be involved in creating change or empowerment, and the Assembly should encourage them in their quest for equal opportunities, according to PACE. Approving a report by Athina Kyriakidou (Cyprus, SOC), the Assembly said that as well as robust anti-discrimination laws, including laws which specifically cover “multiple discrimination”, governments should encourage Muslim women’s groups and networks, ensure that all girls have access to all levels of education, and encourage diversity in the media and in public life.
27/06/2012 | Session
PACE today elected judges to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom. Aleš Pejchal, having obtained a relative majority of votes cast, is elected a judge of the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the Czech Republic for a term of office of 9 years starting on 1 November 2012...
27/06/2012 | Session
Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović today backed action by the Council of Europe in South East Europe and pledged to work to build cohesion and reduce regional differences in South East Europe and beyond. Croatia’s entry to the EU in 2013 would not mean that its borders became a dividing line between west and east...
27/06/2012 | Session
Although the member States of the Council of Europe already have legal remedies for countering xenophobia and racist speech, the Assembly feels that a real strategy is needed for combating xenophobia, especially during election campaigns.
27/06/2012 | Session
While a sound State is not usually possible without a lively and strong democracy, a strong democracy also needs a sound State in order to be able to meet the expectations of the citizens, especially by providing social justice, says PACE in a resolution adopted today, during its biennial debate on the state of democracy in Europe.
27/06/2012 | Session
The PACE today welcomed the substantial progress made by Montenegro in fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the Council of Europe. Drawing on the conclusions of the co-rapporteurs on this question, Jean-Charles Gardetto (Monaco, EPP/CD) and Nursuna Memecan, (Turkey, ALDE), the Assembly observed that the country had signed and ratified 83 Council of Europe conventions...
27/06/2012 | Session
Governments should create a safe environment for human rights defenders to play their vital role, and pursue anyone who seeks to harm them or obstruct their work, PACE has said. In a resolution based on a report by Mailis Reps (Estonia, ALDE), the Assembly also called for public recognition of their work.
26/06/2012 | Session
PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy meeting in Strasbourg, today made the following statement: “With a view to the forthcoming parliamentary elections on 23 September 2012 in Belarus, the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy urges the Belarusian authorities to open up political space and to meet their commitments to the OSCE in terms of standards for free and fair elections, electoral reforms, media freedom and respect for human rights.
26/06/2012 | Session
The PACE today expressed concern about the consequences of austerity measures on democracy and social rights standards. The Assembly said that “budgetary cuts in social expenditure risk further deepening the crisis and undermining social rights.”
26/06/2012 | Session
Concerned about the situation of young people, affected by unprecedented unemployment, underemployment and poverty, PACE today called on member states to pursue youth policies that will help young people integrate into society through active citizenship, social dialogue and sustainable employment opportunities.