06/05/2014 – New Directive marks important step towards ensuring EU companies “know and show” respect for human rights, but member states still need to demonstrate true commitment to business and human rights protections

06/05/2014 – On 14 May 2014, Azerbaijan will take on the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Thirteen years of Council of Europe membership have done little to improve the respect for civil and political rights in the country. Its progress towards becoming a pluralist democracy and consolidating the rule of law has not just stalled – it has gone into reverse in recent years.

The Finnish investigation is a classic example of too little, too late. Victims of CIA renditions and secret detention operations must have access to an effective remedy. While the Ombudsman worked hard to uncover the truth, the Finnish process is incomplete and inconclusive, leaving potential victims with no access to justice

30/04/2014 – Amnesty International published several reports, in which the organisation raises serious concerns about the persistent practice of push-backs in Greece, and police abuse in Spain and Greece. Amnesty International urges Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland to ensure that the Council of Europe raises allegations of push-backs and ill-treatment at Greece’s border with Turkey with the Greek authorities, and to effectively address the issue of police violence and abuse in his dialogue with the Greek and Spanish authorities.

There are cases where they have been stripped naked, had their possessions stolen, and even held at gunpoint before being pushed back across the border to Turkey

29/04/2014 – The responsibility for monitoring and curbing the abuses of Greek policemen and coast guards is not limited to Greek authorities, however. Greek migration and asylum policies are intimately tied to processes and policies decided in Brussels.

International standards on the use of force and firearms are clear – law enforcement officials should resort to the use of firearms only in defence against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. They should apply other non-violent means before resorting to the use of force, and the use of firearms must always be the last resort. When the use of force and firearms is unavoidable they must exercise restraint and take steps to minimize damage and injury and preserve life.

Rather than enacting repressive laws, the Spanish government and parliament must review legislation, policies and practices relating to public assemblies and demonstrations in order to ensure they meet international obligations

A major shift in approach to migration issues is long-overdue. The presidency has a responsibility to set an example to member states, not only in language, but also in action, to ensure that the EU’s human rights obligations toward migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are fully respected.

17/04/2014 – Amnesty International is calling on the Montenegrin authorities to provide adequate alternative accommodation for six families and two individuals living in the Zverinjak settlement in Nikšiæ, who are due to be evicted from their homes, on15 May.