Council of Europe

Council of Europe: Remote fact-finding mission on the situation of LGBTI + people in Poland

The Congress will lead, on 2-3 November 2020, a remote fact-finding mission into the situation of LGBTI + people in Poland, following a request from members of the Polish Parliament about the growing attacks and discrimination against of LGBTI + people.

Poland Considers Leaving Treaty on Domestic Violence, Spurring Outcry

The Polish government, emboldened by a narrow election victory this month and undeterred by criticism from European Union leaders, is considering withdrawing from a treaty aimed at curbing domestic violence and protecting women’s rights, with the country’s minister of justice filing paperwork on Monday to start the process.

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Europe: Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive society

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Comprehensive sexuality education is part of a good quality education. Thus, it should be provided for by law, be mandatory and mainstreamed across the education system as of the early school years. It is of concern that, according to a 2018 survey, sexuality education was mandatory in only 11 out of the 22 Council of Europe member states reviewed.

Albania: ECRI welcomes Albania’s significant progress, but some issues give rise to concern

In its sixth report on Albania, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) welcomes the significant progress made by the authorities, but calls for additional steps to address several issues that give rise to concern.

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Council of Europe: The protection of freedom of religion or belief in the workplace

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The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights recalls that the freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs also applies in the workplace and that any interference in this freedom must be proportionate to the legitimate aim being pursued.

Bulgaria should counter harmful narratives endangering human rights and step up efforts to fight hate speech and domestic violence

“The government should step up its efforts to fight the hate speech prevailing today in Bulgaria in particular against Roma, LGBTI people and other minority groups” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, today after a 5-day visit to the country.