Using its powers under the founding Statute, the Assembly can: Demand action from 47 European governments, who must jointly reply Conduct probes to uncover new facts about human rights violations Question Presidents and Prime Ministers on any topic it chooses Observe elections and send delegations to mediate in crisis hot-spots Negotiate the terms on which … Read more
How are judges of the European Court of Human Rights elected? The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe elects the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, providing them with democratic legitimacy. According to the European Convention on Human Rights, judges must “be of high moral character and possess the qualifications required … Read more
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter” – Martin Luther King The world is becoming increasingly connected: persons, goods, capitals, services and ideas travel more and more freely. Migration is an asset and an opportunity for both countries of origin and host countries. Diaspora communities contribute to … Read more
Political Affairs and Democracy News New guidelines for fair referendums 11/12/2018 Political Affairs and Democracy Political Affairs Committee unanimously adopted a draft resolution aimed at updating the Venice Commission’s Code of Good Practice on Referendums, following, in particular, the increasing use of referendums. More A PACE delegation at the UN ponders how to uphold common … Read more
Jean-Claude MIGNON “The Parliamentary Assembly was the instigator of many initiatives which have made the Council of Europe what it is today, from the European Convention on Human Rights to the integration of the new democracies in central and eastern Europe as a result of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the establishment … Read more
