European Union of the Deaf’s Post

The current landscape of the European Parliament raises deep concerns about the growing influence of far-right MEPs. This shift not only threatens the values of inclusion and diversity that the EU stands for but also critically impacts the Roma community, which remains unrepresented in the Parliament. The absence of elected Roma MEPs means that the unique challenges faced by Roma people are not being adequately addressed at the highest levels of EU decision-making. This lack of representation undermines the effectiveness of Roma integration initiatives and leaves the community vulnerable to discriminatory policies and rhetoric. As far-right factions gain ground, their members, who often propagate exclusionary and anti-Roma sentiments, are now in positions of power, enjoying salaries, judicial immunity, and platforms to spread their divisive messages. This is a troubling development that calls into question the very principles of democracy and equality within the EU. We must unite to counter this wave of intolerance and ensure that every community, including the Roma, has a voice in the European Parliament. By raising awareness, building alliances, and advocating for inclusive policies, we can work towards a more just and equitable #Europe.

I'm not a subscriber, so I can't read this Times article, but if Sue Gray is serious about introducing Irish-style citizen assemblies in the UK, it's worth some reflection on how citizen assemblies interact with politics differently in first-past-the-post systems which incentivise polarisation rather than in coalition-building systems such as PR which are used to handling multiple strands of opinion in a government programme. Also, the Irish citizen assemblies were followed by referendums, which were essential for confirming the decision of a small group of citizens through an expression of the overall democratic will. Is that going to fly in the UK in the same way? https://lnkd.in/esK-VCnf

Did you know that the Committee of Ministers is the decision-making body of the Council of Europe?     The Committee of Ministers is a crucial component of the Council of Europe. Here are the key points about the Committee of Ministers:     ⏭ Consists of the foreign ministers from the 46 Council of Europe member states.     ⏭ It acts as both a governmental forum where national approaches to European issues are discussed on equal footing and a platform to find collective solutions to challenges.     ⏭ Together with the Parliamentary Assembly, it safeguards the Council’s fundamental values and monitors member states’ compliance with their commitments.     ⏭ The Committee of Ministers presidency rotates every six months, in English alphabetical order (May and November).     It is home to significant conventions, including the European Convention on Human Rights and oversees the execution of judgments made by the European Court of Human Rights.     Check out historical photos capturing the essence of the 1500 Ministers’ Deputies meetings! 📸  #CommitteeOfMinisters #CouncilOfEurope #HumanRights #Democracy #RuleOfLaw

#Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the legislative package on “family values and protection of minors” The European Union deplores the rushed adoption, in second reading, of the legislative package on “family values and protection of minors”. This package undermines the fundamental rights of Georgian people and risks further stigmatisation and discrimination of part of the population. The EU regrets that legislation with important repercussions on the EU integration path has been passed without due public consultations and a thorough analysis of its compliance with European and international standards. Ensuring and upholding human rights is at the core of the enlargement process, annually assessed within the European Commission’s enlargement report. The EU calls on the Georgian authorities to entirely reconsider this legislative package. Such a proposal, combined with the restrictions on civil society imposed by the Law on transparency of foreign influence, will place further strain on EU-Georgia relations. The EU recalls that Georgia's accession process is de facto halted and urges the authorities to recommit to the EU integration path. https://lnkd.in/gxiweV75

🌍 Conserving Rights or Reforming Risks? The UK's ECHR Election Dilemma 🌍 The European Convention on Human Rights has been instrumental in shaping the UK's human rights landscape. However, with both the Conservative Party and Reform UK proposing to leave the ECHR, the future of human rights protections in the UK hangs in the balance. In our latest blog, we explore the implications of such a move, highlight significant cases influenced by the ECHR, and discuss why it is crucial for the UK to remain part of this supranational entity. 🔍 Key Takeaway “The rights protected by the ECHR, such as free speech, are precisely those that allow political discourse and the promotion of ideas, including those espoused by parties like the Conservatives and Reform UK. Ironically, the same framework they seek to dismantle is what enables their own rhetoric and policy proposals to thrive.” 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eWgnUdCh #HumanRights #ECHR #UKPolitics #LegalReform #Sovereignty

With the announcement of the English Devolution Bill in today’s Kings Speech, there is a continued commitment to empower regions and move decision making out of Westminster. The new bill will: - create an ambitious standardised devolution framework; - make devolution the default setting, removing the need to negotiate agreements where governance conditions are met; - create a simpler process to set up new combined and combined county authorities; and - create more effective governance arrangements to improve and unblock decision making. Over the coming weeks the Trowers & Hamlins team will be focusing in on the key facets of the devolution agenda. Today we share our report “Devolution and Good Mayoral Governance” prepared in conjunction the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS). The report, which examines the key characteristics of what makes for a good mayor, is the first piece in our on-going campaign where we examine the key ingredients of meaningful devolution. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/emeyAWtu #MayoralGovernance #KingsSpeech #CombinedAuthorities #Devolution

Sharing the just adopted European Parliament resolution 2022-2023: recommendations to strengthen the Europe we live in because we have [human/fundamental] rights, despite the hardships. Support for a strengthened FRA's role .

Only through unwavering respect for fundamental rights and democratic principles can we build a truly democratic, free, and just Europe for all citizens. It is time to act with determination and firmness in defence of democracy and human rights in Europe. #Diem25 https://lnkd.in/deyVuFXR

On #FreeSpeechUnmuted, Hoover Institution Senior fellow Eugene Volokh discusses the #Supremecourt's decision on #firstamendment rights to foreigners and foreign governments. Watch the full episode now: https://lnkd.in/gnn-G6pS

What do you think about geographical cut outs of Charter Rights? Zones you cannot protest by way of local by-laws are on the march (Calgary Gondek, Vaughn). How do you feel about slow systematic attacks on free speech. What if all the zones and reason eventually collide and our world is upside down. What if we move in increments from a rights based society to an access based or permission based. Is that discussion even something we can have now. How do we not contemplate the big questions, or have lively debates anymore. Or do we weaponize the silencing for political gain. That would be short term i assure you. All we have enjoyed in western society is because we prize(d) the Rule of Law and Essential Freedoms. Freedom of Speech ought to be the most prized. new scholarship labelling speech on certain topics might be the real danger. Because to find our way in a world with competing values, increasing dialogue is the answer not decreasing dialogue or punishing it. Canada is not alone in censorship zones. ADF International is on the legal forefront. https://lnkd.in/eASbyV2w