The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, marked the 25th anniversary of the Institution with a speech in which he emphasised the urgent need for a collective recommitment to human rights amid escalating global challenges.
"This moment of crisis for human rights is exactly when they are most needed," Commissioner O'Flaherty declared. He identified six critical challenges threatening human rights: waning historical memory, political disavowal, 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 reigniting societal passion for human rights and breaking down institutional silos. He further called on states to renew their dedication to protecting the most marginalised, maintaining high governance standards and embed human rights at the heart 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 with human rights leadership roles, hope is not an option-it is a duty."
