Commissioner for Human Rights

I urge all those involved in the Ukraine peace talks to keep in mind the human rights violations & human suffering brought about by Russia's occupation. Lasting peace cannot be achieved by sidelining victims & allowing gross violations of human rights.👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-the-suffering-of-people-in-ukraine-s-temporarily-occupied-territories-should-not-be-ignored-in-peace-talks

L’extension par la France de l'applicabilité de la Charte sociale européenne aux Outre-mer est une décision forte pour garantir l’égalité en droit, quel que soit le lieu de résidence. #HLC_Chisinau2026

France’s decision to extend the applicability of the European Social Charter to its overseas territories is a significant step toward ensuring equality under the law, regardless of place of residence. #HLC_Chisinau2026

At today’s High-Level Conference on media literacy and information integrity in Chisinau, I laid out how a human rights-based approach can help build resilience against disinformation and FIMI. Read my full speech👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/what-would-a-human-rights-based-response-to-disinformation-and-information-manipulation-look-like-
#DemocraticPactforEurope

At the High-Level Conference on Social Rights in Chisinau, I invited states to consider three pledges.
We must bridge the gap between policy and the lived experience of people.
Read my speech 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/social-rights-bridging-the-gap-from-policy-to-people
#SocialRights #SocialCharter #HumanRights #HLC_Chisinau2026

Digitalising social welfare systems isn't just about "speed and efficiency". It is about the delivery of human rights.
I outlined 5 critical risk categories we must address to ensure technology empowers rather than marginalises.
Read my speech 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/protecting-human-rights-in-the-digitalisation-of-social-welfare-systems
#HumanRights #SocialRights #DigitalTransformation #HLCSocial2026

Europe is losing the fight against poverty, I warn jointly with the UNSR Poverty Olivier de Schutter. This is a systemic failure. Europe needs a shift to social protection as an investment, not a burden. We call for the adoption of rights-based anti-poverty strategies, based on European Social Charter commitments. Read our joint statement ahead of the High level @coe@mstdn.social Conference on social rights in Chisinau 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/social-rights-an-essential-component-of-the-fight-against-poverty
#SocialRights #HumanRights #EndChildPoverty #HLCSocial2026

Arrived in Chisinau amid the Nistru River pollution crisis caused by a Russian strike on Ukraine, seriously impacting Moldova’s potable water supply. War causes widespread environmental damage & endangers #HumanRights, in #Ukraine & across borders. Russia’s war against Ukraine must end.

On my way to the High-level Council of Europe Conference on Social Rights in Chisinau.

I’m looking forward to discussing how states can reconcile digital efficiency with their obligations to equality and human dignity and the need to implement human-rights centred policies to combat poverty.

#SocialRights #HumanRights #DigitalRights #EndChildPoverty #HLCSocial2026

Watch live👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/european-social-charter/high-level-conference-on-social-rights-18-19-march-2026-chisinau

Simplification of digital rules must not come at the expense of human rights safeguards. I warn against any attempt to make human rights secondary to deregulation. Read my Chair’s notes following a consultation with civil society experts on AI. 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/council-of-europe-commissioner-for-human-rights-warns-against-ai-deregulation

Outraged at the surge in antisemitic attacks on synagogues and Jewish community buildings across Europe, I condemn them unreservedly. Today I met with the Chief Rabbi of Strasbourg and Bas-Rhin, Harold-Abraham Weill, and other Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Mendel Samama, representative of the Conference of European Rabbis to the European institutions, to express my firm solidarity and support.

Pleased to welcome the heads of key institutions from the Netherlands: the Vice-President of the Council of State, the National Ombudsman, and the President of the Court of Auditors. We exchanged on important human rights developments in the Netherlands and Europe, including challenges to the #ECHR system.

Important meetings with several NHRIs and Ombudspersons this week. With IHREC Chief Commissioner, the Finnish Human Rights Centre Director, the Netherlands National Ombudsman and the Human Rights Ombudsman of Slovenia. We discussed current #HumanRights challenges and the ongoing debate on the European Convention on Human Rights system.

I call on National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudspersons to be ambassadors for the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights: assist your governments to ensure that the political declaration expected in May will not do harm and, at best, will constitute a timely affirmation of the importance of the Convention and of the work of the Court.

Read my speech at
#CouncilOfEurope ON Forum👇
https://coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/on-forum-commissioner-o-flaherty-calls-on-nhris-and-ombudspersons-to-be-national-ambassadors-for-the-convention-and-the-court

#NHRIs #ECHR #HumanRights
cc: ENNHRI / Equinet

Constructive meeting with Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of IHREC, on the human rights situation in Ireland and the ongoing debate on the European Convention on Human Rights system. #ECHR #HumanRights

In these tumultuous times, my focus is twofold: strengthening international ties from Brussels to Geneva and ensuring @coe@mstdn.social states recommit to human rights as the bedrock of the emerging global order.
From digital governance to protecting civil society and supporting Ukraine's peace process and recovery, read my February News Roundup for a deep dive into my recent work. 👇
https://nl.commissioner.coe.int/nl3/ozQgS3Ug35RCdf7m5_tUfQ
#CivilSociety #Ukraine #DigitalGovernance #ChildPoverty #RomaRights

Glad to continue my regular exchanges with Danielle Bell, Head of UN HRMMU, who shared grim updates from #Ukraine. Ending ongoing human suffering caused by Russia’s war—including attacks on civilian infrastructure and drone strikes—must remain a top international priority.

Strengthening human rights requires stronger alliances. Insightful exchange with @worldeconomicforum@kilogram.makeup Andrew Caruana Galizia on aligning business conduct with international #HumanRights standards.
Smart tech regulation isn't a barrier - it protects people and fosters trust, resilience and long-term competitiveness. Human rights and rule of law are not a constraint on markets - they are the bedrock of stability.

Today in Geneva, with UN experts, state representatives, and Roma #HumanRights defenders from across Europe and the Americas we marked #Durban25. We stressed the need to confront the persistent scourge of antigypsyism and the discriminations that Roma and Traveller communities face.
#RomaRights #HRC61

Inspiring exchange of views with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric on the centrality of human dignity as the basis for all human rights and humanitarian work.

🗓️ JOIN US TODAY Feb 26 | 12pm
I'm bringing together UN experts, state representatives and Roma #HumanRights defenders from Europe and the Americas to discuss the fight against antigypsyism and chart a path forward.
💻Join us online: https://bit.ly/HRCSideEventRomaRights
❔More info https://bit.ly/RomaHRC61 #RomaRights #HumanRights #HRC61

Mission to Geneva continues. Rich exchanges with Ambassador Thomas Greminger on integrating human rights into Ukraine's peace processes, and with Australia's Special Envoy Mark Dreyfus KC on their role in supporting Ukraine and on navigating the current strains on international human rights frameworks.

How do we protect the future of Europe’s human rights system? By being legal, factual, firm, and transparent. In my video address to the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) today, I called for an evidence-based approach that upholds the universality of rights and the independence of the European Court of #HumanRights. We must move beyond political considerations and confusion and return to principled legal analysis. #ECHR @coe@mstdn.social 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/legal-factual-firm-and-transparent-safeguarding-the-future-of-europe-s-human-rights-system-commissioner-to-cddh

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: Tomorrow, Feb 26 | 12pm
I'm bringing together UN experts, state representatives and Roma #HumanRights defenders from Europe and the Americas to discuss the fight against antigypsyism and chart a path forward.
💻Join us online: https://bit.ly/HRCSideEventRomaRights
❔More info: https://go.coe.int/VP5Ii
#RomaRights #HumanRights #HRC61

Valuable first meeting with ITU Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin. We talked about the importance for regional and global alignment on #AI governance grounded in #HumanRights principles.

Exchange on wide ranging topics with Volker Türk. We covered the situation of human rights in Europe, including the need to embed human rights in peace processes for Ukraine and for continued support to the European Convention on Human Rights. Protecting the Convention system is more vital than ever.

#humanrights #ECHR #Ukraine #peace

In a letter to Iceland’s Parliament, I encouraged amending the “Departure Centre” bill to avoid detaining children based on their or their parents’ migration status and to require non-custodial measures instead. 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/iceland-commissioner-encourages-amending-the-bill-on-departure-centre-to-avoid-detention-of-children

The UK government’s new child poverty strategy has the potential to provide a sea change in addressing the ongoing crisis. In my memorandum, I urge its full implementation and outline the steps still needed to address the root causes and ensure no child is left behind. Read my recommendations 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/united-kingdom-council-of-europe-commissioner-welcomes-recent-policies-to-address-child-poverty-urges-their-full-implementation

Very pleased to meet today with the Chair of the @EP_HumanRights@respublicae.eu
@mounirsatouri@respublicae.eu We reaffirmed our partnership and shared resolve to stand with the people of Ukraine and to defend #HumanRights across Europe. In the face of current challenges, we remain fully committed to upholding democracy and human dignity.

At the European Parliament #DROI Committee, I highlighted the #HumanRights risks of externalising migration policy. From asylum procedures to return hubs and border management, we cannot ignore the documented violations and risks.
We need a precautionary approach that puts human dignity first. Read my introductory remarks 👇 https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/neither-innovative-nor-smart-externalisation-as-a-migration-policy-path-of-human-rights-risk

Constructive meetings with Brussels-based civil society organisations on key developments impacting #HumanRights in the #EU and its member states. Civil society’s role in monitoring and shaping policy and legislation remains crucial.

#Hungary: The prosecution of activist Géza Buzás-Hábel for organising the 2025 Pécs Pride marks a new step in the restriction of assembly. Charges should be dropped. The crackdowns on the right to gather peacefully and express dissent should be reversed.👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/hungary-crackdowns-on-peaceful-assembly-must-be-reversed

Wrapping up the Munich Security Conference 2026 with a clear message: Europe is at its strongest when human rights are at the core of all our efforts. Human dignity isn't an add-on; it's the beating heart of everything. National security succeeds when we uphold the rule of law and the human rights roadmap. Our stability & prosperity depend on human rights being carried forward as a foundational pillar of the new global order #HumanDimension #humanrights #Security #Ukraine #AI #Climate #MSC2026

Productive meeting today at #MSC2026 with Vanuatu’s climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu on turning the 2025 ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change into robust action and state accountability. States have to protect human rights and climate safety for all through fact-based policy. The International Court of Justice provided the legal blueprint, states now have to provide the political will.
#humanrights #security

A productive first day at #MSC2026. I had extensive meetings on embedding #HumanRights into the heart of #Ukraine’s peace pathways.
Heartened by the growing recognition that conflict resolution and European #security can only succeed when human dignity and the "human dimension" are at the centre of all our efforts.

For more on this, read my memorandum on human rights elements for peace in Ukraine 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/war-in-ukraine-commissioner-calls-for-putting-human-rights-at-the-heart-of-discussions-around-peace

Bosnia and Herzegovina: I am deeply concerned by recent statements from highest political leaders in the Republika Srpska that risk fuelling hate and intolerance against Bosniaks, increasing inter-ethnic tensions and endangering peace. 👇 https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/bosnia-and-herzegovina-politicians-in-republika-srpska-should-refrain-from-hateful-speech