Human Rights Commissioner O’Flaherty: It’s time to take action to defend human rights

Council of Europe Human Rights CommissionerMichael O’Flaherty, The 25th anniversary of the institution was celebrated with a speech emphasizing Urgent need for a collective recommitment to human rights amidst increasing global challenges.

“This moment of crisis for human rights is exactly when they are needed most,” Commissioner O’Flaherty said. He identified six critical challenges that threaten human rights: the weakening of historical memory, political denial, the weakening of protection mechanisms, populism, intellectual skepticism, and the growing need for rights in the face of global crises.

The Commissioner called for stronger cooperation between international institutions, stressing the importance of reviving societal passion for human rights and breaking down institutional silos. He also called on states to renew their commitment to protecting the most marginalized, maintaining high standards of governance and placing human rights at the center of their work.

Closing with a message of resilience and optimism, Commissioner O’Flaherty reminded the audience of their shared responsibility: “For those of us in human rights leadership roles, hope is not an option, it is a duty.”

Speech of the Commissioner for Human Rights