Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Discussed at the Council of Europe

(LR) Yuriko Backes, Minister of Gender Equality and Diversity of Luxembourg; Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Credit: Council of Europe

Luxembourg’s Minister of Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, visited the Council of Europe (CoE) in Strasbourg on Wednesday 20 November and Thursday 21 November 2024.

This working visit formed part of the Luxembourg EC Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, which started on 13 November 2024 and will end on 14 May 2025.

As reported by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity, Minister Backes addressed the Gender Equality Committee to discuss women’s empowerment and gender equality in the face of global and geopolitical challenges. The Minister emphasized: “This is a powerful confirmation of a simple truth: there can be no peace without full respect for women’s rights. But unfortunately this is not a time to celebrate. We are witnessing a global backlash against the rights of women and girls. To counter these dangerous trends, we must remain vigilant and, in fact, oppose oppression through democratic means and based on the values ​​of tolerance, respect for diversity and inclusion.“

The program also included the seminar “Looking to the future with confidence, based on a quarter of a century of experience”, where Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg made the opening speech.

Minister Backes also gave a speech at the seminar organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. The Minister said in his speech:a great honor” To open this event, add: “It is truly a wonderful coincidence that this moment, which can be described as historic, coincides with the very beginning of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which also establishes the respect and promotion of human rights. Rights are at the heart of their priorities for the next six months. This national commitment stems from the belief that human rights have lost none of their relevance today.“

The Minister also held bilateral meetings with Secretary-General Alain Berset and Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty. Discussions focused on the priorities of Luxembourg’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and the human rights situation in Europe and beyond. The Minister accompanied the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg at their meeting with Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

Minister Backes, accompanied by the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, also visited the European Youth Centre, an international education, meeting and training centre. It hosts activities on education and youth work, democracy, human rights and other issues related to the construction of civil society.

On Wednesday evening, 20 November, the Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess and Minister Backes attended the opening concert of the Luxembourg Presidency.