Partnership with national human rights and equality bodies key to advance common human rights goals

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https://go.coe.int/oPGSg

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty convened today representatives of over 35 Equality Bodies from across Europe to initiate his dialogue and close partnership with national human rights structures at the beginning of his 6-year mandate.

“Effective co-operation with national human rights structures is not just part of my mandate, it is also a blindingly obvious necessity to bring about change at the local level,” the Commissioner said. “In an ever-challenging environment, our institutions need to support each other and stick together to stand up for the human rights of those we serve.”

The discussions focused on two key areas: firstly, exchanging on respective priorities and strengthening co-operation between the Commissioner and Equality Bodies, and secondly ensuring that these institutions are accessible and that they effectively reach out to the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in society.

By fostering dialogue and co-operation with national human rights and equality bodies, the Commissioner aims to explore ways in which he can support their work, and establish partnerships to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to enjoy their rights.

-- transcript of video:
"I spent much of today with representatives of Equality Bodies, many of which are also National Human Rights bodies and Ombudsmen of countries from across the Council of Europe member states. It was a really valuable first exchange for me in my capacity as Commissioner for Human Rights. I saw the extent to which we can and must cooperate.

I was reminded that we are actually, in a sense, related. These bodies at the national level are my nearest counterpart, my obvious partners as we struggle together to stand up for the human rights of those we serve. I had a strong sense coming away from the meeting of the extent to which we are all small, we are all modestly resourced and that is another reason for our cooperation, but also for us to build networks, to build layer after layer of network so that we can make a meaningful impact out there on the streets and on the roads of our member states." - Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty

Видео Partnership with national human rights and equality bodies key to advance common human rights goals канала Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights