Valuable discussions with High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt and EUSR @kajsaollongren.bsky.social on human rights developments

Pleased to take part in the #ADF2026 panel on the future of the Global Refugee Protection System, as displacement reaches record levels. #RefugeeProtection

Useful first meetings with the UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih and ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab to discuss Europe's refugee protection challenges. The protection of refugees must remain a European and global priority

I am in #Antalya, #Türkiye for the 2026 #AntalyaDiplomacyForum. Looking forward to engaging dialogue with global leaders on today’s most pressing challenges, with a view to ensure that people and their rights remain at the centre of all our efforts.
#ADF2026 #humanrights

Last night’s Russian massive attack on #Ukraine injured & killed dozens of civilians, including children. CoE member states must stand united in ensuring accountability. We need broad support for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. See my Memorandum: www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Concluded my visit to Georgia on pressing human rights issues, meeting today with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of IDPs, Labour, Health and Social Affairs and the Prosecutor General. Also went to the Odzisi occupation line and met IDPs in Tserovani settlement.

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🔹Distinguishing better between legitimate criticism of state policies & antisemitism
🔹Building on existing measures to protect Jewish communities & combat antisemitism
🔹Recognising anti-Muslim hatred as a societal problem & enhance efforts to address it
Read more 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

In my memorandum on #Germany, I call for:
🔹Protecting civic space, freedom of expression & peaceful assemblies
🔹Strengthening the anti-discrimination framework
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Read more 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Visit to #Georgia, day 1: gaining a deeper understanding of pressing #HumanRights issues. Met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the State Minister for reconciliation and civic equality, the Auditor General, the Public Defender, and representatives of civil society and int'l organisations.

Read my letter 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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Poland’s suspension of access to asylum and removal practices remain a cause for concern. In my letter to the Minister of the Interior, I requested information on the measures taken by authorities to ensure their asylum and migration policies comply with the ECHR.
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We must resist the narrative that #HumanRights are an obstacle to efficiency, to progress or to innovation. Human rights are the only universally agreed roadmap to honour human dignity.

Read my newsletter for March 2026 👇
nl.commissioner.coe.int/nl3/SWg2G0gt...

On my way to #Georgia to engage with government, authorities, and civil society on a range of important #HumanRights concerns.

Read my exchange of letters with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan👇2/2
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

#Armenia should adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework. This would include:
🔹Effective mandate and resources for the #HumanRights Defender as an equality body
🔹Legal certainty in the protection of human rights of LGBTI people
🔹Addressing hate speech
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Their narratives - reclaimed with pride and anchored in dignity and #equalrights - must be respected. #RomaRights #InternationalRomaDay

On #InternationalRomaDay, and every day, we must stand with Roma and Travellers across Europe, honouring their rich cultures and contributions. This day is also a call to action against racism, poverty, exclusion; to invest in equality, and work with communities. #RomaRights

Regardless of migration policies, it is imperative to rescue people at sea and not let people drown. Search and rescue is a fundamental issue of international law, including #HumanRights. #SAR 2/2

The news about the loss of lives of at least 37 people in two devastating shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, between Libya and Lampedusa and between Bodrum and Kos, is deeply saddening. 1/2

The testimonies I heard are a harrowing reminder of why the international community must act and recognise the war crimes committed in Mariupol, ensure that justice prevails, and provide support for displaced and other affected persons.
#Ukraine #humanrights #accountability 2/2

Today, I met with the elected Mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, and his delegation. I was deeply moved by the story of 13-year-old Illia Matviienko, who survived the brutal siege of the city.
#Ukraine #humanrights #accountability 1/2

Today we launched #OpreRoma @coe.int celebrating the wonderful&diverse Roma&Traveller cultures of Europe's largest ethnic minority. Through Zdeněk Daniel’s exhibition&Djiben’s music, we saw artists as "conveyors of message".
Join us this month as we memorialise, celebrate&strive to deliver change.

#OpreRoma! just started @coe.int: I met ADI-ROM experts & Roma & Traveller-led orgs and highlighted 6 pillars of change:
1️⃣Confront racism
2️⃣True partnership
3️⃣Celebrate cultures
4️⃣Never forget
5️⃣Go local
6️⃣Be hopeful
We must deliver on the #HumanRights of Roma & Travellers.
More 👉 go.coe.int/IaNC0

Addressing the @congress.coe.int of local and regional authorities, I called for a human rights-based approach to reconstruction&recovery in Ukraine, in the face of Russia’s aggression, focused on:
✅ Participation
✅ Accountability
✅ Equality
✅ Empowerment
✅ Legality
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Constructive meeting with @michelforst.bsky.social, Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the #AarhusConvention. #Environmentaldefenders must be provided with a safe & enabling environment to carry out their vital work on promoting & protecting human rights relating to the environment.

Excellente rencontre avec Isabelle Rome, Ambassadrice de la France pour les droits de l’homme. Nous avons abordé les défis urgents auxquels nos sociétés sont confrontées. En ces temps troublés, les alliances sont essentielles pour que les droits humains restent notre feuille de route.

Great meeting with Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador at Large for #HumanRights. We discussed the pressing challenges facing our global community today. In these turbulent times, forging strong alliances is essential to ensuring human rights remain the roadmap for upholding human dignity.

Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in the ECtHR case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye (no.2) - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int Strasbourg 25 March 2026

In my submission to the Grand Chamber of the @echr.coe.int in the case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye, I provided insights into the ongoing structural challenges facing human rights defenders, and its relevance to the case.
Read my submissions👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Constructive exchange with @eudiplomacy.bsky.social Deputy Managing Director Stella Ronner. We discussed Ukraine, stressing that human rights must guide peace processes and recovery. We also discussed issues of human rights and migration.

Council of Europe Commissioner alerts to human rights risks in upcoming EU Returns Regulation - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int Strasbourg 2 March 2026

As the @europarl.europa.eu debates the EU Returns Regulation, I urge careful consideration of its #HumanRights impact. To be effective and withstand future legal challenges, legislation must align with international standards.
Read my observations 👇
go.coe.int/DkJ2P