The Icelandic state will request that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) review its ruling that appointments to the Court of Appeals constitute a violation of human rights. Minister of Justice Kolbrún Þórdís Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir announced the decision at a cabinet meeting today. The ECHR ruling, published last month, has put into question the authority of Iceland’s newly-established Court of Appeals, which took effect in January 2018. “We have examined different facets of this important issue in the last weeks,” stated the Minister of Justice. “After that examination, I consider it proper to request a review from the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights. I consider it essential to take this path in light of the importance of the matter in this country. I will continue to explore other aspects of the issue but at this stage no further decision will be made.” The ECHR ruled last month that … [Read more...] about Iceland to Request Review of Human Rights Court Ruling
Human rights
Greek president welcomes Europe’s new top human rights judge in Athens
President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Tuesday welcomed the newly elected president of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), judge Linos-Alexandre Sicilianos, who became the first Greek to hold this position on April 1. The ECHR's role is “vital in safeguarding social rights and the welfare state,” Pavlopoulos commented during their meeting at the Presidential Mansion in Athens, adding that this is especially the case today as the rise of the far-right threatens core European structures and principles. “Inequalities and the collapse of the welfare state” are driving this rise of such extreme forces, Pavlopoulos said, stressing that as Europeans we “need to defend ourselves against these structures.” “The European court faces numerous challenges with regards to the economic crisis and refugee crisis, with cases relating to terrorism, a crisis in institutions and in the independence of justice, and even armed conflicts,” Sicilianos said, … [Read more...] about Greek president welcomes Europe’s new top human rights judge in Athens
Commissioner for Human Rights should be able to travel any part of CoE: Dunja Mijatović responds to Armenian MP’s question
YEREVAN, APRIL 9, ARMENPRESS. The work of the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights should not be politicized. The CoE Human Rights Commissioner should always be able to travel any part of the Council of Europe, CoE Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović said in PACE in response to the question of Head of Armenian parliamentary delegation to PACE, chair of the parliamentary standing on foreign affairs Ruben Rubinyan. “Mrs. Commissioner, what do you think the Council of Europe can do to protect the rights of people living in conflict zones? This question has been on the table for many years with no tangible results. Do you think it can help the process?”, Ruben Rubinyan asked. In response Dunja Mijatović said people living in conflict zones or the so-called Gray zones do need to be also seen as a part of this organization. “My view and this is very clear: Commissioner for Human Rights should always be able to travel in any part … [Read more...] about Commissioner for Human Rights should be able to travel any part of CoE: Dunja Mijatović responds to Armenian MP’s question
10th EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue takes place in Brussels
YEREVAN, APRIL 8, ARMENPRESS. The European Union and Armenia held the 10th round of their regular Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on April 8. The EU and Armenia referred to their readiness to continue implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), ARMENPRESS was informed from the EU Delegation in Armenia. The statement runs as follows, “After the latest elections in Armenia, the expectations among Armenian citizens regarding the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, fight against corruption and protection and enhancement of human rights are high. The CEPA commits the EU and Armenia to strengthening respect for fundamental freedoms. At the meeting the EU and Armenia discussed freedom of assembly and expression, electoral reforms, gender equality, antidiscrimination policy, judicial and penitentiary reforms, as well as labour rights. Further amendments to Armenia’s media related legislation would ensure greater … [Read more...] about 10th EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue takes place in Brussels
Armenian ombudsman: Anonymity among internationally recognized human rights
Everyone has the right to provide information anonymously or remain anonymous on the Internet, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan told reporters at the National Assembly on Friday, commenting on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent initiative and instructions to the country’s National Security Service (NSS) to combat fakes. At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday Pashinyan said some “criminal circles spend millions to manipulate the public opinion in media and on social networks” which, according to him, is an issue of national security. The PM instructed the security chief to address the matter. Pashinyan, however, noted the proposed actions should in no way endanger the guaranteed rights of the freedom of speech and information. According to Tatoyan, there are even developed international standards and guidelines on the matter, but a different question is whether a piece of anonymous information features calls for violence and crime. … [Read more...] about Armenian ombudsman: Anonymity among internationally recognized human rights