WorldPride: Honouring and celebrating those differences that unite us as humanity. #WorldPride Read my full speech here 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

WorldPride: Honouring and celebrating those differences that unite us as humanity - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Amsterdam, Netherlands 5 August 2026

coe.int

Stimulating day of panels and exchanges with leaders and civil society on standing up for the human rights of LGBTI+ communities. The sense of hope in adversity was inspiring. #WorldPride

Ukraine is undergoing another series of Russian attacks, with at least 17 civilians killed last night and civilian infrastructure increasingly targeted. Urgent action is needed to support Ukraine in protecting its people and their basic human right - the right to life.

I reiterate that in tackling migration related challenges human rights law must be respected. Necessary measures should be taken to prevent loss of life. #JHA @consilium.europa.eu

Does Europe still believe in human rights? In an op-ed in EUObserver, I warn that the undermining of the rights of LGBTI people serves as the tip of the spear in a broader backlash against human rights protection overall. #WorldPride www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

I am following the migrant arrivals in #Ceuta #Spain at the border with Morocco. I deeply regret the loss of lives and stand with first responders mobilised to address this situation. I will keep monitoring the human rights situation closely.

On 2 August, we honour the over 500,000 Sinti and Roma murdered during the Holocaust in WWII. We defend truth over denial and reaffirm 'Never Again'. Remembrance demands action: investing in memorialisation, protecting human rights, and combating persistent antigypsyism. #RomaHolocaust #NaBister 1/2

Last night, Russia’s terrifying attacks on Ukraine claimed the lives of civilians yet again. My heartfelt sympathy goes to the victims. Urgent and strong support from the international community is necessary to protect civilians.

Prides across Europe are facing violence, intimidation and restrictions. I am appalled by Saturday’s deadly attack in Berlin. As WorldPride begins, the weekend’s events are a stark reminder of why equality must still be defended and hatred must be answered with solidarity. #Pride #humanrights

Europe's proposed "return hubs" for people deemed to have no right to stay in the EU risk creating human rights black holes. In an op-ed for The Guardian, I set out 4 essential guardrails governments need to accept to prevent this from happening. Read the full op-ed ⬇️

Europe is at risk of creating a human rights black hole with its ‘return hubs’ for migrants | Michael O'Flaherty

Without iron-clad legal safeguards, offshore migration centres can only repeat the worst mistakes of the recent past, says the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner

theguardian.com

Italy needs to sustain its efforts against child poverty. Structural reforms, coordinated action and sustained funding are required to safeguards the rights of children. Read my full memorandum and key recommendations ⬇️ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Europe is at risk of creating a human rights black hole with its ‘return hubs’ for migrants | Michael O'Flaherty

Europe is at risk of creating a human rights black hole with its ‘return hubs’ for migrants | Michael O'Flaherty

Without iron-clad legal safeguards, offshore migration centres can only repeat the worst mistakes of the recent past, says the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner

theguardian.com

Following my visit to Romania, I raised several challenges regarding care homes for older persons. Despite progress, efforts are needed to better protect residents’ rights, ensure sustainable funding, and strictly enforce rules on unlicensed facilities. Read my letter to Prime Minister of Romania ⬇️

Council of Europe Commissioner raises challenges regarding care homes for older persons in Romania - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Strasbourg 21 July 2026

coe.int

I am concerned by reports that Oradea Pride March 2026 will again be prevented in Romania. Freedom of assembly belongs to everyone. Authorities should engage with organisers, enable a safe and appropriate route, and protect participants.

Concerned about reports on a planned eviction of #Roma in Lozenets, Stara Zagora, #Bulgaria. I ask authorities to uphold #humanrights, incl. proportionality, and ensure adequate housing policies. ➡ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

⬇️My latest newsletter is out⬇️ My mandate is to foster the protection of #HumanRights across the 46 countries of the Council of Europe. Most times, it means: putting people first.🔗⬇️ nl.commissioner.coe.int/nl3/cfa_rDz7... #StandWithUkraine #OlderPersons #RightToAHealthyEnvironment #WomenPeaceSecurity

I have written to 5 @coe.int governments (Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands) asking them to ground their plans for ‘return hubs’ in international human rights law and proposing 4 human rights guardrails before any joint initiatives move forward. ⬇️ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands should put in place strict human rights guardrails in their plans for ‘return hubs’ - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Strasbourg 16 July 2026

coe.int

We remember the victims of the #genocide in #Srebrenica and stand with their families in honouring their memory. Denial of genocide and the glorification of war criminals must be firmly condemned. By facing the past and learning from it, we safeguard a future free from violence.

Heureux de clôturer le module de droit international des droits humains de la 55e session d’été de la @fondationcassin.bsky.social. Face à la remise en question des droits humains, voir 155 participants de 44 nationalités venus étudier et faire vivre l’esprit de résistance est un message d’espoir.

I expressed concern regarding the right to a fair trial and judicial independence in the proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu, elected mayor of Istanbul, and other defendants. The authorities of Türkiye should ensure that all proceedings comply with the #ECHR. Read my statement ⬇️

Türkiye: Statement concerning the legal proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Strasbourg 10/07/2026

coe.int

Warm meeting with Sophie Magennis, new UNHCR Representative for France, Monaco and Council of Europe. We discussed human rights risks of 'return hubs', the need for continued protection of displaced Ukrainians and other pressing issues.

I am concerned about the criminal case against journalist Afgan Sadigov. Read my letter to the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan in which I ask clarification about the criminal proceedings, and the reply from the Prosecutor General. ⬇️ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Azerbaijan: Council of Europe Commissioner concerned about criminal case against journalist Afgan Sadigov

Strasbourg 09/07/2026

coe.int

I am concerned about the criminal case against journalist Afgan Sadigov. Read my letter to the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan in which I ask clarification about the criminal proceedings, and the reply from the Prosecutor General. ⬇️ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Wonderful to meet again with my friend and colleague, Mairead McGuinness, the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, discussing issues of common concern around pluralism, #HumanRights and democratic values.

Inspiring meeting with students from Malta’s National Student Travel Foundation. We covered some of my priorities, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to the rights of older people and migrants. They demonstrated their passion and readiness to follow in the footsteps of #Malta’s human rights champions.

I intervened in the case of Nikoleta Zereliga and Others v. Greece concerning the #HumanRights of Roma communities living in an informal settlement. I consider that eviction, or the risk of an eviction, without providing alternative housing, can disproportionately jeopardise their rights. 1/2

Council of Europe Commissioner intervenes in ECtHR case on the risk of eviction of a Roma settlement in Greece - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int

Strasbourg 7 July 2026

coe.int

Nights of terror have become relentless in #Ukraine. A new Russian massive attack on Kyiv and its region last night killed at least 11 civilians and injured over 40. A ceasefire and a process toward a durable peace grounded in human rights are urgently needed.

Following my visit to #Bulgaria, I encourage authorites to go further to enhance long-term residential care for older people and secure housing for Roma communities. Read my end-of-visit statement ⬇️ www.coe.int/en/web/commi...

Wrapping up my visit to #Bulgaria focused on the #HumanRights of older persons in residential care and of the Roma communities. Today, I met with @pace.coe.int delegation, the Commission on human rights, religions and citizen’s complaints and the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination.

Bulgaria, day #3: constructive dialogue with the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, the Minister of Health, the Deputy Ministers of Regional Development and Public Works and the Ombudsman