Hammarberg says more determination needed to make human rights real in Europe

Europe must be determined to guarantee human rights, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, has said in his annual report.

“Europe must move with more determination from rhetoric to enforcement of human rights standards,” he said.

Attitudes towards asylum-seekers and migrants have gradually become more negative, the Commissioner observed. “Political leaders have all too often preferred to follow – rather than lead – public opinions, thus feeding xenophobic movements. Europe should adopt a more humane migration policy and asylum procedures based on human rights principles,” he said.

He also pointed out that Roma people still live in abject misery and suffer alienation in many European countries. “Urgent measures must be taken to ensure more humane housing conditions for Roma families, access to quality education and foster social inclusion,” Mr. Hammarberg said. “It is crucial to guarantee that all Roma, in particular children, have personal identity documents and are no longer treated as stateless. It is imperative to put an end to the wide-spread anti-Gypsyism, to which some politicians have also contributed.”

Commissioner for Human Rights also criticized marginalisation and stigmatisation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons in some countries saying that they “deeply impinge” on their everyday life. “It is particularly important that opinion makers address these prejudices and take the lead in fighting discrimination against LGBT persons,” he said.

Mr. Hammarberg also criticized the justice system which is dysfunctional in several member states. “Corruption, political interference and lack of resources erode the independence and credibility of the judiciary. Strengthening the rule of law is essential to rebuild public confidence in the justice system,” he said.

The Commissioner regretted the increased pressure on the media, which hamper their independence and pluralism. “In a number of European states media freedom is undermined through criminalisation of defamation; law-induced censorship; intimidation, harassment and even murder of journalists. These factors have a detrimental effect on our democracies,” he said.

He further pointed out that persons with disabilities remain largely excluded from key sectors of life, including access to adequate and humane health care, decent work and housing, public places, transportation, quality education and sometimes even civil rights, such as the right to vote. “The needs of persons with disabilities are still given low priority in state and municipality budgets. More recognition, protection and social inclusion should be ensured for them,” Mr. Hammarberg said.

The Commissioner’s report revealed that despite some progress in awareness and legal protection, discrimination against women persists in employment, education and political participation. Violence against women and children remains a scourge in Europe. “Taboos, ignorance and machismo still surround the issue of domestic violence, contributing to its persistence,” Mr. Hammarberg said.

The living conditions of older persons are a major concern, the Commissioner stressed. “The elderly have suffered, more than others, by the recent economic crisis and austerity budgets. I have seen signs of deep old-age poverty in several countries. A deeper discussion on the rights of older people is needed, he said.”