Thank you to my first UN Human Rights UN Special Procedures visitor Barbara G. Reynolds, Chair of the @UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent.
Very timely discussion on the worrying extent of Afrophobia in Europe and the need to urgently address it across the Council of Europe area.

I was moved to hear youth representative, Roxana Daniela Petrache, saying: “ #InternationalRomaDay is a celebration of our resistance, our pride in our heritage, our struggle but also the progress we achieved as we claim our seat at more tables & work to leave no one behind”.

At the #InternationalRomaDay celebration, I committed to:
🔹champion Romani people's #HumanRights
🔹initiate & nurture an ongoing dialogue with Romani people across Europe
🔹engage with Romani youth
🔹support Romani women and girls as agents of change
👉 go.coe.int/jrC0N

#InternationalRomaDay : The protection of the #HumanRights of Roma and Travellers must become a top priority in Council of Europe member states.

Read my statement 👉go.coe.int/r310J

It's very satisfying to see two of our graduates at the apex of the Council of Europe system for the protection of human rights: President of ECHR CEDH (Síofra O’Leary BCL '89) met Commissioner for Human Rights (@MichaelCJT BCL '80).

Excellent first meeting with President of ECHR CEDH Síofra O’Leary.
I stressed my commitment to promoting the rights enshrined in the #ECHR Convention - Europe's golden #HumanRights standard, the case-law of the Court and the execution of its judgments.

Congratulations to Michael O’Flaherty as he takes up the office of Commissioner for Human Rights this week 🤝

We wish him all the best in his mission and during his six-year mandate, putting human rights at the heart of Council of Europe member states’ agendas 🇪🇺

Today, I take up office as Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Commissioner for Human Rights with a pledge to inject a #HumanRights perspective into the greatest challenges facing our societies and at the heart of Council of Europe member states’ agendas.

👉go.coe.int/2xYyJ

Spent this afternoon at the fascinating exhibition of ‘tronie’ paintings at National Gallery of Ireland These sensitive respectful portraits honour the dignity and individuality of each of the sitters. A good experience/reminder on the day before I take up my new role as Commissioner for Human Rights

Good exchange with Alexandria Walden, Michael O'Flaherty and NilsMuiz at the closing of #RightsForum24 .
The erosion of the rule of law across Europe is a worrying trend. Without full respect of it, #HumanRights cannot be protected.

Reflecting on the #RightsForum24 's discussions!
Michael O'Flaherty former EU Fundamental Rights ➡️ #HumanRights Director & new Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights underlines need to consider reality of #Inequalities & #Poverty in the democratic & #HumanRights challenges.
CoE_NGO Council of Europe Social Rights #SocialRights EAPN

With the address of Sirpa Rautio #RightsForum24 gets underway.

A beautiful morning in Vienna for the start of @ #RightsForum24 The team at EU Fundamental Rights ➡️ #HumanRights have put together an amazing program

Today the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is celebrating 25 years since its creation.

Born out of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement we are here to ensure government and public authorities protect, respect and fulfil the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.…

This week Michael O'Flaherty BCL '80 gave our research seminar, about his priorities as the next Commissioner for Human Rights & the challenges faced by human rights advocates like Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs & Pavee Point.

📷 ▶️ Prof O'Flaherty; Dr Amrei Müller; Dean of Law, Laurent Pech 🇺🇦

coe.int/en/web/portal/…

A long campaign but great result today at PACE. Delighted that Michael O'Flaherty has just been elected as Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner- the first time an Irish person has been elected to this position. Michael has an impeccable record in human rights all over the world.

I wrapped up three invaluable days of induction at Council of Europe in an excellent meeting with Marija Pejčinović Burić . My thanks to Commissioner for Human Rights for hosting me. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running on 1 April!

I’m stepping into big shoes. Thank you Commissioner for Human Rights for the warm welcome today!

Thank you Ioannis. Much appreciated.

Regardless of today’s outcome I have the deepest respect for Meglena and Manfred, my competitors for the post. We are united in our commitment to uphold human rights in Europe.