The Council today approved conclusions on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its war propaganda have underlined the urgency of tackling foreign information manipulation and interference targeting not only Russian, but global audiences. The conclusions underline how foreign information manipulation and interference is often used as part of broader hybrid campaigns and […]
Council of Europe urges Belarus and Armenia to address electoral reforms
Starting with Belarus, Belarus is urged to carry out comprehensive reform of its electoral system. PACE has urged Belarus to comprehensively reform its electoral system to bring it into line with international standards for democratic elections. Approving a resolution and recommendation based on a report by Lord Blencathra (United Kingdom, EC), the Assembly said that […]
Europe’s imprisonment rate continues to fall
The overall European imprisonment rate – the number of persons in prison per 100,000 inhabitants – fell again slightly in 2020, consolidating a trend that started in 2013, according to the Council of Europe’s Annual Penal Statistics on Prison Populations for 2020. On 31 January 2020, there were 1,528,343 inmates in 51 prison administrations (out […]
International Roma Day: Remembering history to ensure a brighter future
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Strasbourg, 06.04.2021 – A community that is fully aware of its history and culture is more likely to look at the present and the future with confidence. From my work so far as Secretary General, I am impressed by the commitment of Roma youth to establish national and […]
Progress in 2020 in the implementation of ECHR rulings despite COVID
States across Europe are continuing to make progress on implementing judgments from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), despite the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest annual report from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. However, further efforts are needed to tackle systemic issues highlighted by the ECHR, including ill-treatment or deaths caused […]
New reports show increasing discrimination and attacks on LGBTI people in Poland and Europe as a whole
A report on a fact-finding mission to Poland in November last year draws attention to increasing attacks and discrimination against LGBTI people in the country, focusing on cities, provinces and regions that are adopting family charters and resolutions against so-called “LGBT ideology”. Another, more general report on “The role and responsibilities of local and regional authorities in the protection of LGBTI persons” denounces the […]