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
“Media freedom is seriously violated in Europe,” today said William Horsley, Media Freedom Representative of the Association of European Journalists, at a hearing organised by PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media. “In a number of Council of Europe member states, patterns of violence and legal abuses directed against journalists have taken root and threaten to stifle genuinely free and independent media in favour of a climate of censorship and intimidation,” he added.
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.
26/06/2012 | Session
The Assembly today elected Helena Jäderblom as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Sweden. Ms Jäderblom, having obtained an absolute majority of votes cast, is elected a judge of the European Court of Human Rights for a term of office of 9 years starting not later than 3 months as from 26 June 2012. Judges are elected by PACE from a list of three candidates nominated by each State which has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights.
26/06/2012 | Session
PACE today expressed its concern at the social damage that may be caused by cuts to local and regional authorities as a result of the economic crisis, be it poorer public services or cuts in welfare. In a resolution based on a report by Sir Alan Meale (United Kingdom, SOC), the Assembly said local authorities themselves can take steps to lessen the negative effects of cuts by reallocating budgets so that basic social rights continue to be protected.