mastodon 4.8.0-nightly.2026-10-06Official account of Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, independent, non-judicial institution promoting human rights in Europe.
https://commissioner.coe.int
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we must face a sobering reality: press freedom is weakening across Europe.
We have the tools to protect the bedrock of our democracies and ensure journalists can work freely and safely; we now need the political will.
We must resist the narrative that #HumanRights are an obstacle to efficiency, to progress or to innovation. Human rights are the only universally agreed roadmap to honour human dignity.
Read my newsletter for March 2026 👇
https://nl.commissioner.coe.int/nl3/SWg2G0gthmVelTPcPvytew
On #InternationalRomaDay, and every day, we must stand with Roma and Travellers across Europe, honouring their rich cultures and contributions. This day is also a call to action against racism, poverty, exclusion; to invest in equality, and work with communities. Their narratives - reclaimed with pride and anchored in dignity and #equalrights - must be respected. #RomaRights
Outraged by Russian strikes across #Ukraine yesterday and ongoing, which killed at least 27 and injured over 100 civilians in Zaporizhzha, Kramatorsk, Dnipro and other cities. My thoughts are with the victims. This suffering must stop and perpetrators be held criminally accountable.
𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨-𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝. We must translate the 2025 ICJ Advisory Opinion into concrete, multilateral action.
𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 to protect our planet and our human rights as one mission.
#UNGA #ClimateICJAO #ungaresolution
In my memorandum on #Germany, I call for:
🔹Protecting civic space, #freedomofexpression & peaceful assemblies
🔹Distinguishing better between legitimate criticism of state policies and antisemitism
🔹Building on existing measures to protect Jewish communities and combat antisemitism
🔹Recognising anti-Muslim hatred as a societal problem and enhance efforts to address it
🔹Strengthening the anti-discrimination framework
Read more 👇
It is disheartening to see RightsCon 2026 called off. Engaging on human rights in the age of AI is critical, and I was eager to do so in Lusaka next week. My thoughts are with all participants, and I look forward to alternative spaces for necessary dialogue.
@rightscon@accessnow.social @accessnow@mastodon.social
Poland’s suspension of access to asylum and removal practices remain a cause for concern. In my letter to the Minister of the Interior, I requested information on the measures taken by authorities to ensure their asylum and migration policies comply with the ECHR.
Read my letter 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/poland-commissioner-concerned-over-suspension-of-asylum-and-removal-practices
Great meeting today with the Minister of Equality of Spain, Ana Redondo. From pioneering policies and measures to combat gender-based violence and protecting the rights of LGBTI people, Spain continues to show that progress is possible with bold political will.
The news about the loss of lives of at least 37 people in two devastating shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, between Libya and Lampedusa and between Bodrum and Kos, is deeply saddening. Regardless of migration policies, it is imperative to rescue people at sea and not let people drown. Search and rescue is a fundamental issue of international law, including #HumanRights. #SAR
Presenting my 2025 Annual Report today to the Parliamentary Assembly, I spoke about the "polycrisis" threatening our foundations. Human rights are not guaranteed to survive into the future. To carry the European Convention system safely into a new era, we must be extraordinarily vigilant👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/in-the-midst-of-a-change-of-era-council-of-europe-commissioner-urges-action-to-reclaim-the-treasure-of-human-rights-that-we-risk-losing
Presenting my #AnnualReport2025 to the the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I warn that we risk losing our invaluable treasure of #HumanRights. In part, their survival depends on how we support #Ukraine 's people, manage migration, and protect civil society & marginalised groups👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/in-the-midst-of-a-change-of-era-council-of-europe-commissioner-urges-action-to-reclaim-the-treasure-of-human-rights-that-we-risk-losing
#AI #Equality #RomaRights #Climate @coe@mstdn.social
Today, I met with the elected Mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, and his delegation. I was deeply moved by the story of 13-year-old Illia Matviienko, who survived the brutal siege of the city. His testimony is a harrowing reminder of why the international community must recognise the sheer scale of war crimes committed in Mariupol, ensure that justice prevails, and provide support for displaced and other affected persons.
#Ukraine #humanrights #accountability
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
Last night’s Russian massive attack on #Ukraine injured & killed dozens of civilians, including children. CoE member states must stand united in ensuring accountability. We need broad support for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. See my Memorandum: https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/war-in-ukraine-commissioner-calls-for-putting-human-rights-at-the-heart-of-discussions-around-peace
Concluded my visit to Georgia on pressing human rights issues, meeting today with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of IDPs, Labour, Health and Social Affairs and the Prosecutor General. Also went to the Odzisi occupation line and met IDPs in Tserovani settlement.
On my way to #Georgia to engage with government, authorities, and civil society on a range of important #HumanRights concerns.
Honoured to speak today at the side-event on #Roma remembrance organised by Georgios Stamatis, PACE General Rapporteur on Roma and Travellers. Our present is shaped by our past. We must invest in remembering-for healing, justice&ensuring ‘never again’-and in celebrating diversity
#Armenia should adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework. This would include:
🔹Effective mandate and resources for the #HumanRights Defender as an equality body
🔹Legal certainty in the protection of human rights of LGBTI people
🔹Addressing hate speech
Read my exchange of letters with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/armenia-should-adopt-a-robust-anti-discrimination-framework
As the European Parliament debates the EU #Returns Regulation, I urge careful consideration of its #HumanRights impact. To be effective and withstand future legal challenges, legislation must align with international standards. Read my observations 👇
For insight into the stories of resilience of Roma and Traveller communities and the women driving change, I invite you to read my book THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION
Read in English 👉https://go.coe.int/IaNC0
Read in French 👉https://go.coe.int/0LkIL
#RomaWeek2026 #OpreRoma #RomaRights #RomaEU
Valuable discussions with High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt and EUSR Kajsa Ollongren on human rights developments
Pleased to take part in the #ADF2026 panel on the future of the Global Refugee Protection System, as displacement reaches record levels. #RefugeeProtection
Visit to #Georgia, day 1: gaining a deeper understanding of pressing #HumanRights issues. Met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the State Minister for reconciliation and civic equality, the Auditor General, the Public Defender, and representatives of civil society and int'l organisations.
Exchanging on my 2025 annual report with the #CouncilOfEurope Committee of Ministers, I closed with a message of resilience and hope: in a time of hard winds, we must move forward without complacency but with deep appreciation of how well the organisation delivers already on its core business. #HumanRights 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-presents-his-2025-annual-report-to-the-committee-of-ministers
Constructive meeting today with Senator Aurora Floridia, Chair of the Parliamentary Network for a Healthy Environment. We discussed the importance of urgent action to advance on protecting our right to a healthy environment and prioritising those most impacted by climate change.
At the 2026 #OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum today in Paris, discussing what truly signals "trust" to investors & companies.
Anti-corruption efforts and human rights due diligence should be better aligned.
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
#Georgia: authorities must uphold democratic freedoms.
🔹Ensure accountability of law enforcement for alleged ill-treatment
🔹Repeal or amend restrictive laws that have a chilling effect on civic space
🔹Sustain attention to the #HumanRights of persons in and displaced from occupied territories
Read my full statement👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/georgia-commissioner-o-flaherty-calls-for-law-enforcement-accountability-repeal-of-restrictive-foreign-influence-laws-and-sustained-support-for-the-human-rights-of-internally-displaced-persons
Constructive meeting with Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the #AarhusConvention. #Environmentaldefenders must be provided with a safe and enabling environment to carry out their vital work on promoting and protecting human rights relating to the environment.
Great meeting with Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador at Large for Human Rights. We discussed the pressing challenges facing our global community today. In these turbulent times, forging strong alliances is essential to ensuring human rights remain the roadmap for upholding human dignity
#humanrights
Standing up for Europe’s Roma &Travellers must remain at the heart of EU policy, planning, and budgeting. This requires political leadership matched by adequate resources.
Read my #RomaWeek2026 #EUMFF event speech 👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/political-leadership-adequate-resources-implementing-a-human-rights-approach-for-europe-s-roma-and-travellers
#OpreRoma #Equality #RomaRights #RomaEU
Useful first meetings with the UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih and ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab to discuss Europe's refugee protection challenges. The protection of refugees must remain a European and global priority
I am in #Antalya, #Türkiye for the 2026 #AntalyaDiplomacyForum. Looking forward to engaging dialogue with global leaders on today’s most pressing challenges, with a view to ensure that people and their rights remain at the centre of all our efforts.
#ADF2026 #humanrights
#OpreRoma! just started @coe@mstdn.social I met ADI-ROM experts & Roma & Traveller-led orgs and highlighted 6 pillars of change:
1️⃣Confront racism
2️⃣True partnership
3️⃣Celebrate cultures
4️⃣Never forget
5️⃣Go local
6️⃣Be hopeful
We must deliver on the #HumanRights of Roma & Travellers.
More 👉 https://go.coe.int/IaNC0
Today we launched #OpreRoma @coe@mstdn.social celebrating the wonderful & diverse Roma & Traveller cultures of Europe's largest ethnic minority.
Through Zdeněk Daniel’s exhibition & Djiben’s music, we saw artists as "conveyors of message".
Join us this month as we memorialise, celebrate & strive to deliver change.
Constructive exchange with EEAS Deputy Managing Director Stella Ronner. We discussed Ukraine, stressing that human rights must guide peace processes and recovery. We also discussed issues of human rights and migration.
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
Addressing the Council of Europe Congress of local and regional authorities, I called for a human rights-based approach to reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine, in the face of Russia’s aggression, focused on:
✅ Participation
✅ Accountability
✅ Equality
✅ Empowerment
✅ Legality
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/building-back-better-in-ukraine-a-human-rights-centred-path-to-reconstruction-and-recovery
In my submission to the Grand Chamber of theECHR_CEDH in the case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye, I provided insights into the ongoing structural challenges facing human rights defenders, and its relevance to the case.
Read my submissions👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-the-ecthr-case-of-osman-kavala-v-t%C3%BCrkiye-no.2