Commissioner for Human Rights
@commissionerhr.coe.int
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
https://commissioner.coe.int
I wish you a Happy and a Peaceful 2026. It will be a deeply challenging year. We have to do all that we can to embed human rights in peacemaking and governance. I recently set out thoughts on this at the University of Galway. 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
The Essential Role of Human Rights to Build a Better Future - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Galway, Ireland 30/10/2025
www.coe.int
December 31, 2025 at 4:57 PM
I wish you a Happy and a Peaceful 2026. It will be a deeply challenging year. We have to do all that we can to embed human rights in peacemaking and governance. I recently set out thoughts on this at the University of Galway. 👇 www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
European leaders need to refute the critics: Europe’s power lies not in mimicking those who oppose #HumanRights, but in showing that dignity, law, and freedom remain the only foundations on which a stable and prosperous future can be built.
Read my latest shoutout 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Read my latest shoutout 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Refute the critics: human rights are Europe’s greatest strategic asset
Strasbourg 18/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 18, 2025 at 7:25 AM
European leaders need to refute the critics: Europe’s power lies not in mimicking those who oppose #HumanRights, but in showing that dignity, law, and freedom remain the only foundations on which a stable and prosperous future can be built.
Read my latest shoutout 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Read my latest shoutout 👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
How can the legacy of "The Liberator" guide us through the #HumanRights challenges of a new era?
In my keynote at the Daniel O’Connell 250th Anniversary Symposium in Rome, I explored how his historic fight for justice informs our modern struggle for dignity and rights.👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
In my keynote at the Daniel O’Connell 250th Anniversary Symposium in Rome, I explored how his historic fight for justice informs our modern struggle for dignity and rights.👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Daniel O'Connell's legacy as we confront a new era for human rights
Rome, Pontifical Irish College 16/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 17, 2025 at 4:40 PM
How can the legacy of "The Liberator" guide us through the #HumanRights challenges of a new era?
In my keynote at the Daniel O’Connell 250th Anniversary Symposium in Rome, I explored how his historic fight for justice informs our modern struggle for dignity and rights.👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
In my keynote at the Daniel O’Connell 250th Anniversary Symposium in Rome, I explored how his historic fight for justice informs our modern struggle for dignity and rights.👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Effective investigations into alleged police violence during 2024 #Georgia protests needed. I express concerns to the Prosecutor General re. lack of accountability despite reports of ill-treatment & injuries among protesters. See exchange of letters👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Commissioner calls for effective investigations into alleged police violence during 2024 protests in Georgia - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
www.coe.int
December 17, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Effective investigations into alleged police violence during 2024 #Georgia protests needed. I express concerns to the Prosecutor General re. lack of accountability despite reports of ill-treatment & injuries among protesters. See exchange of letters👇
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
With the Secretary for relations with States and international organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, I discussed pathways to people-centred peace for #Ukraine, #migration, Roma and Travellers, #AI and the need to uphold the universality of #HumanRights.
December 16, 2025 at 12:50 PM
With the Secretary for relations with States and international organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, I discussed pathways to people-centred peace for #Ukraine, #migration, Roma and Travellers, #AI and the need to uphold the universality of #HumanRights.
I welcome today’s launch of the Convention setting the International Claims Commission for #Ukraine as a crucial step towards justice for victims of Russia's war. I encourage all #CouncilOfEurope states to ratify the Convention and secure sufficient funds to support the Commission's future work. 1/2
December 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I welcome today’s launch of the Convention setting the International Claims Commission for #Ukraine as a crucial step towards justice for victims of Russia's war. I encourage all #CouncilOfEurope states to ratify the Convention and secure sufficient funds to support the Commission's future work. 1/2
We are not in a legal terra nullius, but we need targeted, coherent, smart oversight and regulation to protect us all from the risks inherent to AI and to build trust in its use.
Read my keynote address at the Parliamentary Conference on #AI in London, #UK
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Read my keynote address at the Parliamentary Conference on #AI in London, #UK
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
AI: protecting human rights through smart oversight - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
London 15/12/2025
www.coe.int
December 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
We are not in a legal terra nullius, but we need targeted, coherent, smart oversight and regulation to protect us all from the risks inherent to AI and to build trust in its use.
Read my keynote address at the Parliamentary Conference on #AI in London, #UK
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Read my keynote address at the Parliamentary Conference on #AI in London, #UK
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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...
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
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...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
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
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
December 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
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
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
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
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
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
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...
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
#StandWithUkraine
December 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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
#StandWithUkraine
Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of #HumanRights standards on #FreedomofExpression, peaceful assembly and association
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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
Türkiye: Authorities should ensure the implementation of #HumanRights standards on #FreedomofExpression, peaceful assembly and association
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
In Ankara, I met with the Minister of Family and Social Services, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Justice, the President of the Constitutional Court, and the #PACE delegation.
@coe.int @pace.coe.int
2/2 #Türkiye visit
@coe.int @pace.coe.int
2/2 #Türkiye visit
December 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM
In Ankara, I met with the Minister of Family and Social Services, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Justice, the President of the Constitutional Court, and the #PACE delegation.
@coe.int @pace.coe.int
2/2 #Türkiye visit
@coe.int @pace.coe.int
2/2 #Türkiye visit
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.
1/2
A press statement and memorandum will follow.
1/2
December 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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.
1/2
A press statement and memorandum will follow.
1/2
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
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
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
#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
#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.
Read more on combating migrant smuggling while safeguarding the human rights of refugees, migrants, and those who assist them, in my 2024 speech [link] www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Speech at the 2nd International Conference on Migrant Smuggling - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 10/09/2024
www.coe.int
December 2, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Read more on combating migrant smuggling while safeguarding the human rights of refugees, migrants, and those who assist them, in my 2024 speech [link] www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
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.
PR: the EU's reform of its people smuggling legislation must end the criminalisation of people defending human rights. The European Parliament should seize the opportunity to defend the EU's founding ideals: srdefenders.org/european-uni...
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
European Union: UN experts alarmed by risk of humanitarian assistance criminalisation (press release) - UN SR Human Rights Defenders
UN experts* today expressed alarm at EU discussions about proposed legislation on the smuggling of migrants and its compatibility with international human rights law – particularly the potential absen...
srdefenders.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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.
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.
My deep appreciation for their important work and the exchange of views.
December 2, 2025 at 4:57 PM
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.
My deep appreciation for their important work and the exchange of views.
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
I will be in #Türkiye for the next three days to continue my dialogue with authorities regarding the protection of #HumanRights and democratic freedoms.
Reposted by Commissioner for Human Rights
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?
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
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?
As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
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
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