EU commissioner calls for renewed commitment to protecting human rights

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights presented her annual report for 2023 to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Monday, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to human rights principles and standards despite intensifying challenges.

In her final report before the end of her mandate, Dunja Mijatovic painted a concerning picture of the human rights landscape across Europe, highlighting the situation in conflict zones.

Mijatovic called for collective action to regain lost ground and advance the cause of human rights across the continent.

"Current challenges are daunting, but they should not deter us… It is not that human rights have failed; rather, where gaps exist, it is largely due to our collective shortcomings in implementing these rights systematically and effectively across generations. State authorities, and notably you as parliamentarians, are entrusted with a primary role in this endeavor, but leadership in this area demands more than just rhetoric; it requires politicians to set an example through both their words and their actions," she said.

Even in the face of recent challenges, such as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mijatovic highlighted the resilience of multilateralism and the commitment to human rights.

She said the collective response, including humanitarian assistance, economic support and legal efforts to "hold the Russian authorities accountable showcased member states' continued commitment to cooperation and fundamental principles."

Mijatovic also drew attention to issues like misinformation and surveillance, saying that rapid technological advancements including artificial intelligence and deepfakes have amplified these challenges to the cause of human rights and democratic governance.

She also pointed out that issues like climate change, social justice and economic inequality have become more prominent, and their intersection with human rights and democracy is “different compared to six years ago, with greater emphasis placed on inclusive and participatory approaches.”