Human Rights

UK Conservatives Drop ECtHR Pledge

July 19, 2017

The International Business Times reports that, prior to the country's general election in June, the ruling UK Conservative Party dropped its pledge to loosen or cut ties with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the near future to make room for the time required for Brexit negotiations.
Opinion: States Should Always Follow ECtHR Judgments

July 19, 2017

Emphasizing the binding nature of all decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on countries within its jurisdiction, former German Justice Minister Herta Däubler-Gmelin criticizes Russia and other "increasingly authoritarian" countries for "selectively ignoring" ECtHR judgments.
EU Companies Make Pledge Against Coal Plants

July 18, 2017

As businesses face pressure to help fulfill their country's ambitious commitments to limit global warming under the Paris climate pact agreed in 2015, national energy companies from across the EU have signed an agreement not to build any new coal power plants after the year 2020.
EU Introduces Broad-reaching "Pillar of Social Rights"

July 17, 2017

The European Commission recently launched its EU Pillar of Social Rights on labor rights and social protection, along with a mechanism to monitor the progress of EU member states on the Pillar, as a "compass for a renewed process of upward convergence towards better working and living conditions in Europe."
CoE Official Demands Independence for Public Broadcasting

July 14, 2017

A report from the Council of Europe's (CoE) Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks warns of threats to public broadcasting across Europe and calls on countries to ensure that public broadcasters maintain independence from governments, avoid "politicization," and receive a "sustainable funding" stream.
Body Investigates PACE Corruption Claims

July 14, 2017

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) recently established an "independent external investigation body" to determine the veracity of corruption allegations against members and former members of the organization.
NGOs Urge EU Action Against Poland in Asylum Rejections

July 14, 2017

Three prominent human rights groups have argued that the EU should "hold Poland accountable" for the decision of Polish border guards to turn away asylum seekers in apparent violation of a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.
EU Creates Committee to Encourage "Green" Securities

July 14, 2017

The EU has established a Green Securities Steering Committee to promote the nascent market for “green debt” in Europe by establishing standards, setting favorable regulations, and encouraging supply and demand for environmentally friendly investments to help reach "EU climate objectives and green infrastructure goals."
CoE Official Pushes Economic, Social Rights in Slovenia

July 12, 2017

In a "country visit report" calling on Slovenia to reject legislation that would reduce the acceptance of asylum applications, avoid "austerity measures," and increase the minimum wage, the Council of Europe's (CoE) Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks illustrates the expanding focus of the CoE on fulfilling the global agenda for "economic, social, and cultural human rights."
ECtHR: Russian "Gay Propaganda" Laws Violate Rights

June 21, 2017

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has held that Russian laws banning the public promotion of "nontraditional sexual relations" violate European human rights provisions guaranteeing the freedom of expression and rights against discrimination.