Commissioner for Human Rights

I was very pleased to be at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris this evening to reiterate that #humanrights must remain central in addressing challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

Today, I addressed the ‘National Forum on the Implementation of the Roma Strategy. Valuing Diversity’, organised by the NGO Voice of Romni, in Kyiv, Ukraine. The challenges Roma face are enormous and widespread across Council of Europe member states. To stand up for the human rights of Roma, here are three thoughts: 1. Combat Antigypsyism, we need to tackle the profound inequalities between the Roma and other members of our societies and celebrate the wonderful cultural diversity of Roma communities. 2. Work together, we can do so much more united than we can separate. 3. Women are vectors of change, we need to find ways to work with them so that they become all the more empowered to be the champions and leaders who can make a profound difference. 👇 https://lnkd.in/efGQjeay

I have just published a statement at the end of my visit to Georgia, in which I ask the authorities to protect freedom of assembly and expression, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end stigmatisation of NGOs and LGBTI people. You can read the statement here: https://lnkd.in/ejsye_rD

How can we curb the spread of harmful online speech without compromising freedom of expression? This pressing question is very urgent, as platforms like META and X adjust their fact-checking policies—potentially creating vacuums where disinformation thrives unchecked, threatening democracy. I just published a statement where I urge Council of Europe member states to redouble their efforts and demonstrate principled leadership in enforcing legal standards by ensuring that internet intermediaries mitigate the systemic risks of disinformation and unchecked speech. Key points to consider: ✅ Standards grounded in human rights: Measures to combat disinformation must meet criteria of legality, necessity, and proportionality. ✅ Transparency & accountability: Platforms must ensure clarity in content moderation and algorithmic systems. ✅ Collaboration: States, platforms, and civil society must work together to protect human rights and democracy. #HumanRights #Disinformation #CouncilOfEurope #DigitalRights #FreedomOfExpression

The Italian Senate should amend the ‘security bill’ to safeguard human rights. I have just published an exchange of letters with the the President of the Senate of Italy: https://lnkd.in/eEVvNg_9 I ask members of the Senate to refrain from adopting Bill 1236 on public security, unless it is substantially amended to ensure that it complies with Council of Europe human rights standards. I recall that the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, are a cornerstone of democratic society. Member states have a certain margin of appreciation for sanctioning intentional disruptions in the context of public assemblies, however their discretion is not unlimited, as underlined by the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. If adopted, Bill 1236 would introduce offences that are defined in vague terms, criminalising, among others, acts such as traffic disruption with one’s own body and protests resorting to passive resistance in prisons and detention centres. I expressed concern at the potential impact of the bill, creating room for the arbitrary and disproportionate application of relevant penalties and restrictions, which would not be consistent with the above-mentioned standards.

Today, I had several inspiring meetings and discussions in Berlin. I was impressed by the work of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture and I look forward to further cooperate with them to advance the promotion and protection of the #humanrights of Roma and Travellers and combat antigypsyism and discrimination. I also had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion organised by the Equal Rights Coalition in Berlin on challenges facing LGBTI communities across Europe and globally. Main issues I highlighted: Rising anti-LGBTI laws, a troubling trend of backsliding inspired by anti-gender narratives. Persistent prejudice, even in progressive societies – data shows alarming levels of intolerance. Anti-gender movements, threatening progress, sowing division, and undermining rights – these movements have a global reach and demand a strong, unified response. Civil society under threat, crackdowns and funding cuts are jeopardising the critical work of LGBTI organisations and defenders. As Commissioner, I remain deeply committed to protecting and promoting the human rights of LGBTI people in cooperation with civil society and human rights defenders. I also had a very constructive meeting with Ymania Brown, Director of TGEU, and colleagues working there. We discussed the serious challenges trans people face today, ways to push back against hostile narratives, and strengthen human rights protection. An upbeat meeting despite the many obstacles faced.

Deeply honoured to be part of a creative celebration of the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on our lives! Smiley News, Choose Love, and an impressive group of global artists have come together to create For Our Family Human—a film that reimagines all 30 articles of the Declaration through powerful rhymes and visuals.   It’s an inspiring tribute to a document that has shaped history and changed lives for 76 years—and I’m pleased I could contribute to it.   Check it out and share it! https://lnkd.in/eZvVwtZD

The authorities of the Czech Republic should extend the law on compensation for victims of forced sterilisations. See my exchange of letters with the Prime Minister and my letter to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic 👇 https://bit.ly/3VxNryK

In the wake of the developments in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime, several Council of Europe member states have suspended the processing of asylum claims of Syrians and announced plans to forcibly return Syrians currently under their protection. These developments raise urgent questions about whether states are acting in accordance with international refugee and human rights obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement.   Read my statement here https://bit.ly/41vJNZN

Welcome and Happy Human Rights Day!   I’m Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, and I’m happy to launch the Institution's official account on this special day dedicated to dignity, equality, and justice for all.   My mission is to protect and promote human rights across the Council of Europe member states. To learn more about the Commissioner's work, watch this short film: https://lnkd.in/ej7NY-sd   This account will be a space to share updates, stories, and ways we can work together to make human rights a reality for everyone.   Thank you for joining me on this journey!   #HumanRightsDay #HumanRights #Equality #JusticeForAll