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commissionerhr.coe.int
Commissioner for Human Rights
@commissionerhr.coe.int
1K followers 210 following 220 posts
Official account of Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, independent, non-judicial institution promoting human rights in Europe.
https://commissioner.coe.int
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commissionerhr.coe.int
Today at Maynooth University, we mark #HumanRightsDay & present the John O'Connell Award to the late Séan Regan for championing #HumanRights. My book "THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION" shows the critical need to stand with & work in partnership with Roma and Traveller communities.👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
The Unheard 12 Million – Council of Europe Commissioner issues urgent wake-up call to act for Roma and Traveller rights - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 01/10/2025
www.coe.int
December 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
An urgent shift from a transactional to a people-centred approach to peace-making for #Ukraine is needed.
A just and lasting #peace must be based on #HumanRights, justice and accountability.
Russia's escalating attacks underscore the need to prioritise victims.
Read more
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Commissioner calls for a shift from a transactional to a "people-centred" approach to peace-making in Ukraine - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 11/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 11, 2025 at 9:11 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Glad to meet and prolong the discussion on #migration policies, law and facts with the Minister of Justice of Ireland post-Informal Justice Ministers Conference. #ECHR #HumanRights
Commissioner O’Flaherty and Irish Minister of Justice, Jim O'Callaghan
December 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
projectsyndicate.bsky.social
In a new PS Big Picture, PS contributors – including Anna Husarska, Harold James, @commissionerhr.coe.int, and @timothysnyder.bsky.social – lambast a “peace” plan that fails on all counts and all but guarantees more war. bit.ly/3MiAgQt
December 9, 2025 at 10:07 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
We must preserve Europe's #HumanRights system; be evidence-based, rejecting false claims & dangerous associations of migration w. criminality. Uphold the law & the universality of rights. Respect for everyone's rights secures a safe state. It is not a zero-sum game. #ECHR www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Migration: facts and law; securing the European human rights system – Commissioner O’Flaherty to Justice Ministers - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 10/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 10, 2025 at 1:39 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
As we mark #HumanRightsDay 2025, we confront a risk to the very future of the human rights protection system. Our most urgent task in Europe is supporting a free #Ukraine and ensuring human dignity is at the heart of pathways to peace. We must anchor peace-making in #HumanRights.
#StandWithUkraine
December 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of #HumanRights standards on #FreedomofExpression, peaceful assembly and association
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of human rights standards on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association
Strasbourg 09/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 9, 2025 at 9:27 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Just concluded a 3-day visit to #Türkiye focused on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
A press statement and memorandum will follow.
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December 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
projectsyndicate.bsky.social
A wholly transactional approach to ending Russia's war in Ukraine is simply impracticable, because a peace without justice will not survive, @avalaina.bsky.social and @commissionerhr.coe.int argue. bit.ly/3XyDJg3
Transactional Diplomacy Cannot Bring Peace to Ukraine
Oleksandra Matviichuk & Michael O’Flaherty argue that any plan that ignores human rights and Ukrainian demands for justice is doomed to fail.
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 10:20 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
#Türkiye visit, in #Ankara on day 2: had a series of meetings focused on democratic freedoms and #HumanRights with the Human Rights and Equality Institution, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, human rights experts, civil society and youth.
December 3, 2025 at 4:25 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
I fully support the UN experts' call: the new EU Facilitation Directive must fully align with international #HumanRights standards. We must ensure that humanitarian assistance to refugees and migrants is never criminalised across our member states.
December 2, 2025 at 7:16 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Started my #Türkiye visit meeting the Istanbul Bar Association and many #CivilSociety members.

My deep appreciation for their important work and the exchange of views.
Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, met with Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu, President of Istanbul Bar Association and board members.
December 2, 2025 at 4:57 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
I will be in #Türkiye for the next three days to continue my dialogue with authorities regarding the protection of #HumanRights and democratic freedoms.
December 2, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
coe.int
Meet Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s @commissionerhr.coe.int

As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
December 1, 2025 at 4:56 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Very interesting and fruitful meeting with the Scottish government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Minister for Equalities on human rights-based approaches to tackling child poverty, the incorporation of international HR treaties, and the future of the European Convention on Human Rights
November 27, 2025 at 3:13 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Important discussions with members of the European Parliament on:
• people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine
• #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation
• pressures on civil society & #NHRIs
• the digital omnibus proposal on #AI

@europarl.europa.eu
Commissioner O'Flaherty met with MEPs, including MEPs Malik Azmani, McNamara and Banifei and members of the LIBE Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group
November 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
With @coe.int Steering Cttee on #HumanRights, I raised concern over contagion of attacks on independence & effectiveness of some Europe's #NHRIs & Ombuds institutions. As pillars of democratic architecture, they protect human well-being, often in brave & innovative ways.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Member states should protect and strengthen NHRIs Ombuds institutions - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 26/11/2025
www.coe.int
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Excellent news from the UK government: the two-child limit on welfare benefits will be scrapped.
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
United Kingdom: tackling poverty is crucial to protect children’s human rights; a number of other areas also call for attention - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 08/07/2025
www.coe.int
November 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Peace for Ukraine should be anchored in human rights - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 24/11/2025
www.coe.int
November 24, 2025 at 11:13 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed & the most reliable framework for peace.
Read more👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Peace for Ukraine must be anchored in human rights - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 24/11/2025
www.coe.int
November 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Very informative meeting with #Philea. The philanthropic sector's commitment to delivering urgent support for civil society organisations & #HumanRights defenders is essential in a context of severe funding crises, restrictive laws & crackdown on activists. #Philanthropy itself is under pressure.
November 21, 2025 at 5:32 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Just had warm meeting with EU Commissioner @magnusbrunner.bsky.social. I look forward to further engaging on sensitive issues such as #migration. We must work to uphold human rights and ensure that asylum remains always accessible in the #EU.
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
My message at the ENNHRI's high-level partnerships event: United in our pursuit of #HumanRights, we can counter the threats to the protection system's very survival.
1/2 @ennhri.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Appalled by Russia’s ongoing dreadful attacks on Ukraine. The devastating toll in Ternopil alone today – at least 25 civilians killed and 73 injured - is heartbreaking. The perpetrators must be held to account and victims should receive redress. My deepest thoughts are with all the victims.
November 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
commissionerhr.coe.int
Constructive exchange with #CouncilofEurope CDADI Committee today on prioritising policies and action to secure the #HumanRights of Roma and Travellers.

Read their compelling stories and understand the urgency in my book "THE UNHEARD 12 MILLION"👉 bit.ly/THE-UNHEARD-...
@coe.int
The Unheard 12 Million – Council of Europe Commissioner issues urgent wake-up call to act for Roma and Traveller rights
Strasbourg 01/10/2025
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM