In order to improve the transparency of the execution process of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the Council of Europe has published country factsheets. More...

Eighteen years after the end of the conflict, thousands of people are still denied justice in Kosovo. It is high time to change course and build a just and cohesive society. Major conditions for achieving this are to prosecute and effectively sanction all persons involved in wartime crimes, clarify the fate of all missing persons, provide war victims with adequate reparation, and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced persons. More...

In response to the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Europe these last weeks, we must stand united to combat hatred and barbarity.  Our democracies will be stronger than those who seek to destroy them. More...

In a first reaction to the Stockholm truck attack today Secretary General Jagland said:
“I am shocked by the sad news from Stockholm. It looks like another attack on our common values and freedoms, another attack on a vibrant European city. My thoughts go to Sweden and the people of Stockholm.” More...

We are glad to see that over the last few years the 8th of April, the International Roma Day, has become an occasion for heads of states and intergovernmental institutions to make official speeches about Roma and acknowledge the important role Roma communities play in our societies. More...

“The Turkish electorate has voted on the amendments to the Constitution. In view of the close result the Turkish leadership should consider the next steps carefully. It is of utmost importance to secure the independence of the judiciary in line with the principle of rule of law enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council of Europe, of which Turkey is a full member, stands ready to support the country in this process”. More...

The Committee of Ministers today published the annual report for 2016 on its supervision of the execution of judgments and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. In accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, the Committee of Ministers is responsible for supervising the execution of the Court’s judgments by the states concerned. More...

The European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), in co-operation with the Presidential Administration of Romania and with the support of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, will provide a forum to address these questions at the international conference: “The interaction between the political majority and the opposition in a democracy” (6‑7 April, Bucharest, Sala Unirii, Cotroceni Presidential Palace). More...

The growing pressure and increased obstacles can take a variety of forms: legal and administrative restrictions; judicial harassment and sanctions, including criminal prosecution for failure to comply with new restrictive regulations; smear campaigns and orchestrated ostracism of independent groups; and threats, intimidation and even physical violence against their members. In some cases, the climate is so negative that it forces human rights work to the margins or even underground. More...

Once again, an act of horrendous violence has plunged one of our member States into mourning.  On behalf of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, I express my condolences to the families of the victims and I wish a prompt recovery to those injured.  I also wish to extend my deep sympathy to the Russian people and assure the Russian authorities of my solidarity. More...