European leaders need to refute the critics: Europe’s power lies not in mimicking those who oppose #HumanRights, but in showing that dignity, law, and freedom remain the only foundations on which a stable and prosperous future can be built. Read my latest shoutout 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

How can the legacy of "The Liberator" guide us through the #HumanRights challenges of a new era? In my keynote at the Daniel O’Connell 250th Anniversary Symposium in Rome, I explored how his historic fight for justice informs our modern struggle for dignity and rights.👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Effective investigations into alleged police violence during 2024 #Georgia protests needed. I express concerns to the Prosecutor General re. lack of accountability despite reports of ill-treatment & injuries among protesters. See exchange of letters👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

With the Secretary for relations with States and international organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, I discussed pathways to people-centred peace for #Ukraine, #migration, Roma and Travellers, #AI and the need to uphold the universality of #HumanRights.

I welcome today’s launch of the Convention setting the International Claims Commission for #Ukraine as a crucial step towards justice for victims of Russia's war. I encourage all #CouncilOfEurope states to ratify the Convention and secure sufficient funds to support the Commission's future work. 1/2

We are not in a legal terra nullius, but we need targeted, coherent, smart oversight and regulation to protect us all from the risks inherent to AI and to build trust in its use. Read my keynote address at the Parliamentary Conference on #AI in London, #UK www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Today at Maynooth University, we mark #HumanRightsDay & present the John O'Connell Award to the late Séan Regan for championing #HumanRights. My book "THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION" shows the critical need to stand with & work in partnership with Roma and Traveller communities.👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

An urgent shift from a transactional to a people-centred approach to peace-making for #Ukraine is needed. A just and lasting #peace must be based on #HumanRights, justice and accountability. Russia's escalating attacks underscore the need to prioritise victims. Read more www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Glad to meet and prolong the discussion on #migration policies, law and facts with the Minister of Justice of Ireland post-Informal Justice Ministers Conference. #ECHR #HumanRights

In a new PS Big Picture, PS contributors – including Anna Husarska, Harold James, @commissionerhr.coe.int, and @timothysnyder.bsky.social – lambast a “peace” plan that fails on all counts and all but guarantees more war. bit.ly/3MiAgQt

We must preserve Europe's #HumanRights system; be evidence-based, rejecting false claims & dangerous associations of migration w. criminality. Uphold the law & the universality of rights. Respect for everyone's rights secures a safe state. It is not a zero-sum game. #ECHR www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

As we mark #HumanRightsDay 2025, we confront a risk to the very future of the human rights protection system. Our most urgent task in Europe is supporting a free #Ukraine and ensuring human dignity is at the heart of pathways to peace. We must anchor peace-making in #HumanRights. #StandWithUkraine

Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of #HumanRights standards on #FreedomofExpression, peaceful assembly and association www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Just concluded a 3-day visit to #Türkiye focused on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. A press statement and memorandum will follow. 1/2

A wholly transactional approach to ending Russia's war in Ukraine is simply impracticable, because a peace without justice will not survive, @avalaina.bsky.social and @commissionerhr.coe.int argue. bit.ly/3XyDJg3

#Türkiye visit, in #Ankara on day 2: had a series of meetings focused on democratic freedoms and #HumanRights with the Human Rights and Equality Institution, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, human rights experts, civil society and youth.

I fully support the UN experts' call: the new EU Facilitation Directive must fully align with international #HumanRights standards. We must ensure that humanitarian assistance to refugees and migrants is never criminalised across our member states.

Started my #Türkiye visit meeting the Istanbul Bar Association and many #CivilSociety members. My deep appreciation for their important work and the exchange of views.

I will be in #Türkiye for the next three days to continue my dialogue with authorities regarding the protection of #HumanRights and democratic freedoms.

Meet Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s @commissionerhr.coe.int As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?

Very interesting and fruitful meeting with the Scottish government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Minister for Equalities on human rights-based approaches to tackling child poverty, the incorporation of international HR treaties, and the future of the European Convention on Human Rights

Important discussions with members of the European Parliament on: • people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine • #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation • pressures on civil society & #NHRIs • the digital omnibus proposal on #AI @europarl.europa.eu

With @coe.int Steering Cttee on #HumanRights, I raised concern over contagion of attacks on independence & effectiveness of some Europe's #NHRIs & Ombuds institutions. As pillars of democratic architecture, they protect human well-being, often in brave & innovative ways. www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Excellent news from the UK government: the two-child limit on welfare benefits will be scrapped. As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty. www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights Core issues to address: 🔹Accountability & reparations 🔹Protection of affected persons 🔹Reconstruction & recovery 🔹Inclusion #HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace. www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights Core issues to address: 🔹Accountability & reparations 🔹Protection of affected persons 🔹Reconstruction & recovery 🔹Inclusion #HumanRights is the only universally agreed & the most reliable framework for peace. Read more👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Very informative meeting with #Philea. The philanthropic sector's commitment to delivering urgent support for civil society organisations & #HumanRights defenders is essential in a context of severe funding crises, restrictive laws & crackdown on activists. #Philanthropy itself is under pressure.

Just had warm meeting with EU Commissioner @magnusbrunner.bsky.social. I look forward to further engaging on sensitive issues such as #migration. We must work to uphold human rights and ensure that asylum remains always accessible in the #EU.

My message at the ENNHRI's high-level partnerships event: United in our pursuit of #HumanRights, we can counter the threats to the protection system's very survival. 1/2 @ennhri.bsky.social

Appalled by Russia’s ongoing dreadful attacks on Ukraine. The devastating toll in Ternopil alone today – at least 25 civilians killed and 73 injured - is heartbreaking. The perpetrators must be held to account and victims should receive redress. My deepest thoughts are with all the victims.

Constructive exchange with #CouncilofEurope CDADI Committee today on prioritising policies and action to secure the #HumanRights of Roma and Travellers. Read their compelling stories and understand the urgency in my book "THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION"👉 bit.ly/THE-UNHEARD-... @coe.int

Today, I exchanged with the @coe.int Committee of Ministers on my recent work. We discussed urgent priorities: defining human-centred pathways to peace in #Ukraine, securing effective #AI oversight, and the critical need to defend the #ECHR and #HumanRights system. 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Greatly appreciated the insightful exchange this morning with the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ). I am committed to leveraging this collaboration to ensure that the youth dimension is properly reflected in all my #HumanRights work.

Constructive meeting with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski on the margins of the XVI Warsaw #HumanRights Seminar. We exchanged on the topic of migration and human rights

My message at the #HumanRights Seminar in Warsaw today: we must resist the temptation to weaken the #ECHR. We must reaffirm the Convention as the only credible roadmap for human dignity against drivers of volatility like AI, inequality, and violence.👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

#Warsaw Wrap-Up: with high level experts, we charted #HumanRights centred pathways to peace in #Ukraine. Accountability & reparations are essential for all victims.

My takeaways from Warsaw meeting on #HumanRights & pathways to peace in #Ukraine: Peace might be distant, but justice is non-negotiable. Accountability & reparations are essential. Defending rights of all Ukrainians now can enable a dignified peace. Support for grassroots civil society is vital.

While #Russia’s war against #Ukraine is continuing to cause immense human suffering, I am convening high-level experts in Warsaw today to work on pathways to peace in full respect for #HumanRights and dignity. More 👉 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Busy day at the #WebSummit! Discussed AI literacy in schools & child protection w. Portuguese Education Minister Fernando Alexandre. Exchanged w. students at the Portuguese Catholic University. Also held an informative meeting with Belarussian opposition leader Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya. #HumanRights

We need rules of the road. I used this analogy at the #WebSummit to challenge the tech industry. AI must be designed and deployed with a human-centred approach—fostering innovation while explicitly protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Oversight is essential. #AI #EthicalAI

Essential discussions today with civil society representatives on embedding #HumanRights in GenAI governance. Their voices are critical for shaping the future of ethical #AI. #AIEthics

Today is International #RomaniLanguageDay! Romani language is central to Roma identity & culture and is often kept alive through the voices of Roma women. As singer Hilja Grönfors says in my book "THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION": "I hope [Romani] music can open hearts." Learn more: bit.ly/THE-UNHEARD-...

Today, we celebrate the incredible legacy of the European Convention on #HumanRights as a powerful catalyst of legal and social development across Europe! #ECHR75 #ECHR

Delivered a lecture at @uniofgalway.bsky.social on “The Essential Role of Human Rights to Build a Better Future” — reflecting on how we can embed #HumanRights at the heart of today’s global challenges. Read my speech www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

The @coe.int Recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons, launched today, is a globally significant moment, supporting a pathway towards better respect for #HumanRights. Now is the time for awareness raising and implementation. #EuropeGoesPurple #IntersexEquality #IntersexAwarenessDay

I welcome the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants' report on migration externalisation as a key tool to protect #HumanRights. @UN & regional organisations like @coe must work together to address this practice, increasingly pushed by European states.

Productive discussion in Vilnius today with Carlien Scheele, Director of EIGE, on advancing #GenderEquality and strengthening #HumanRights

Attending the ILGA-Europe conference today provided an amazing opportunity to catch up with civil society working with and for #LGBTI people and learn about their concerns. I will play my part in standing up for #HumanRights. #IEVilnius2025

The situation is nothing short of dire. In my #IEVilnius2025 speech today, I addressed the ‘perfect storm’ facing #LGBTI people, including rising populism and a weakening political centre ground. Now is the time for fierce determination. 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

I note the Foreign Affairs Committee's decision to advance a bill to withdraw #Latvia from the #IstanbulConvention for first plenary reading tomorrow.