The news about the loss of lives of at least 37 people in two devastating shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, between Libya and Lampedusa and between Bodrum and Kos, is deeply saddening. Regardless of migration policies, it is imperative to rescue people at sea and not let people drown. Search and rescue is a fundamental issue of international law, including #HumanRights. #SAR

Today, I met with the elected Mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, and his delegation. I was deeply moved by the story of 13-year-old Illia Matviienko, who survived the brutal siege of the city. His testimony is a harrowing reminder of why the international community must recognise the sheer scale of war crimes committed in Mariupol, ensure that justice prevails, and provide support for displaced and other affected persons.
#Ukraine #humanrights #accountability

#OpreRoma! just started @coe I met ADI-ROM experts & Roma & Traveller-led orgs and highlighted 6 pillars of change:
1️⃣Confront racism
2️⃣True partnership
3️⃣Celebrate cultures
4️⃣Never forget
5️⃣Go local
6️⃣Be hopeful
We must deliver on the #HumanRights of Roma & Travellers.
More 👉 https://go.coe.int/IaNC0

Today we launched #OpreRoma @coe celebrating the wonderful & diverse Roma & Traveller cultures of Europe's largest ethnic minority.
Through Zdeněk Daniel’s exhibition & Djiben’s music, we saw artists as "conveyors of message".
Join us this month as we memorialise, celebrate & strive to deliver change.

Addressing the Council of Europe Congress of local and regional authorities, I called for a human rights-based approach to reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine, in the face of Russia’s aggression, focused on:
✅ Participation
✅ Accountability
✅ Equality
✅ Empowerment
✅ Legality
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/building-back-better-in-ukraine-a-human-rights-centred-path-to-reconstruction-and-recovery

Constructive meeting with Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the #AarhusConvention. #Environmentaldefenders must be provided with a safe and enabling environment to carry out their vital work on promoting and protecting human rights relating to the environment.

Great meeting with Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador at Large for Human Rights. We discussed the pressing challenges facing our global community today. In these turbulent times, forging strong alliances is essential to ensuring human rights remain the roadmap for upholding human dignity
#humanrights

In my submission to the Grand Chamber of theECHR_CEDH in the case of Osman Kavala v Türkiye, I provided insights into the ongoing structural challenges facing human rights defenders, and its relevance to the case.
Read my submissions👇
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-the-ecthr-case-of-osman-kavala-v-t%C3%BCrkiye-no.2

Constructive exchange with EEAS Deputy Managing Director Stella Ronner. We discussed Ukraine, stressing that human rights must guide peace processes and recovery. We also discussed issues of human rights and migration.