Information Documents
SG/Com(2008)1044 (restricted) 9 December 2008
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Communication from the Secretary General
and the Deputy Secretary General
to the 1044th meeting of the
Ministers’ Deputies (10 December)
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Communication from the Secretary General
1. Meeting with Mr Süleyman Barbakadze (President of the International Meskhetian Association Vatan) – Strasbourg (24 November)
On 24 November, I met Mr Süleyman Barbakadze (President of the International Meskhetian Association Vatan based in Moscow). We discussed the issue of the repatriation of Meskhetians to Georgia.
2. Fourth Plenary Assembly of the European Roma and Travellers Forum
– Strasbourg (24 November)
On 24 November, I addressed the Fourth Plenary Assembly of the European Roma and Travellers Forum. In my speech which is available on the web site, I encouraged the Forum to intensify its fundraising activities and increase the degree of self-sustainability.
I emphasised the need for the Forum to reinforce its efforts to achieve a coherent and sustainable European policy to combat poverty, exclusion and discrimination faced by Roma people.
3. Working lunch with Mr Mike Smith (Executive Director of the UN Counter‑Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate – CTED)
– Strasbourg (24 November)
On 24 November, I had a working lunch with Mr Mike Smith (Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate – CTED) with whom I discussed our co-operation in the fight against terrorism – notably the possibility for the Council of Europe to host the 6th Special Meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in Strasbourg in 2009 and a series of joint technical assistance projects.
4. Meeting of the Assembly of Contributors of the Human Rights Trust Fund
– Strasbourg (24 November)
On 24 November, I addressed the first meeting of the Assembly of Contributors of the Human Rights Trust Fund and expressed my support for the Fund.
5. Meeting with Mr Alexander Filipov (Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of Bulgaria) – Strasbourg (26 November)
On 26 November, Mr Alexander Filipov (Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of Bulgaria) came to see me to discuss the European Forum for Roma and Travellers (ERTF). Mr Filipov gave me a motion signed by a number of ERTF delegates who wanted to challenge the working methods and leadership of the Forum. Mr Filipov sought legal advice from the Council of Europe in interpreting the Statute of the ERTF. I recalled that the Committee of Ministers had closely followed the drafting of the Statute, and that legal advice had been sought prior to adoption of the Statute by the Roma and Travellers Drafting Group. Several signatories of the motion were indeed members of the Drafting Group of the Statute.
I also explained that the Council of Europe cannot intervene to deal with internal problems of the Forum. Such problems should be addressed by the Forum in accordance with its Statute. However, I reiterated that the Council of Europe is ready to assist in areas foreseen in the Partnership Agreement between the Council of Europe and the Forum.
6. Meeting with Mr Alexander Grushko (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) – Strasbourg (27 November)
On 27 November, I met Mr Alexander Grushko (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) who had brought the instruments of ratification of the two additional Protocols of the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities concerning interterritorial co-operation.
We then discussed the future Council of Europe co-operation with the Russian Federation along the lines of the suggestions made in my meetings with President Medvedev in July and with Minister Lavrov in November.
7. Meeting with Mr Carl Bildt (Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and the then Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers)
– Strasbourg (27 November)
On 27 November, I met Mr Carl Bildt (Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and the then Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers). Minister Bildt had travelled to Strasbourg to take part in the handover of the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers from Sweden to Spain. We shared our impressions of the Swedish Chairmanship, and he briefed me about the issues with which he expected to deal with when taking over the Presidency of the European Union during the second half of 2009.
8. Conference of Ministers responsible for Culture “Intercultural dialogue as a basis for peace and sustainable development in Europe and its neighbouring regions” and official contacts – Baku (2 December)
The first objective of my trip to Baku was to open the Conference of Ministers responsible for Culture. My speech is available on the web site. This Conference was open to the neighbouring countries of Central Asia as well as member countries of ISESCO. Parallel to the Conference, I had several bilateral meetings with the highest political authorities in Azerbaijan, Ms Veronika Kotek (my Special Representative in Azerbaijan) and the staff in our Baku Office.
I met President Ilham Aliyev, Mr Ogtay Asadov (Speaker of the Parliament) and Mr Samad Seiydov (Head of Azerbaijani Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly), Mr Elmar Mammadyarov (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Mr Fikrat Mammadov (Minister of Justice) and Mr Abulfaz Garayev (Minister of Culture). The main subjects of discussion were the three imprisoned journalists mentioned in PACE Resolution 1614, the potential discontinuation of foreign radio channels (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC) as of January 2009 and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
On the occasion of the Conference, together with Ms Katérina Stenou (Director of Division of Cultural Policies and Intercultural Dialogue of UNESCO), I signed a declaration setting up an open platform for inter-institutional co‑operation for intercultural dialogue (“Faro Platform”) as the realisation of the Faro Declaration. Mr Marc Scheuer (Director of the Office of the Alliance of Civilizations) signed the Act of Accession to the Platform on behalf of Mr Jorge Sampaio (UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations). Dr Mongi Bousnina (Director General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation – ALECSO) also presented a request to join the Platform which I will be submitting to you for decision.
Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri (Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – ISESCO) presented me with the Gold Medal of ISESCO for my support for intercultural dialogue. He also presented me with the first copy of a translation into Arabic of the White Book on Intercultural Dialogue.
A press conference was attended by a large number of local, national and international media representatives, and I also gave several interviews to radio and television.
I should like to thank the Azerbaijani authorities for their commitment and generous support for the organisation of the Conference – especially Ambassador Mammadov for his assistance in the organisation of my high-level contacts during my stay in Baku.
9. 16th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council and official contacts
– Helsinki (4-5 December)
On 4 December in Helsinki, I attended the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting.
In the margins of the Conference, I met Ambassador Marc Perrin de Brichambaut (Secretary General of the OSCE). We discussed ongoing co-operation between our two organisations and the situation in Georgia.
On 5 December, I met Mr Carl Haglund (State Secretary for Gender Equality of Finland). We discussed issues related to gender budgeting and the Finnish experience in this respect.
A meeting with Ms Tuija Brax (Minister of Justice of Finland) did not take place as a result of a longer than planned meeting of the Finnish Government. Instead, I met Mr Pekka Nurmi (Director General in the Law Drafting Department of the Ministry of Justice of Finland). We discussed the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Finland. I was informed that preparations are under way in a working group set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the active participation of the Ministry of Justice. The working group intends to submit a proposal to Parliament in 2009.
During my stay in Helsinki, I also met with Mr Udo Janz (Deputy Director of the Bureau of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). We discussed ongoing co-operation between the Council of Europe and the UNHCR, the situation in Georgia and UNHCR’s work with Meskhetian refugees.
Unfortunately, I was taken ill in Helsinki so that I was unable to address the Ministerial Council, but my speech was delivered by Mr Zoltan Taubner (Director of External Relations). A copy of my speech is attached at Appendix I.
10. Mr Marian Lupu (President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova)
– Strasbourg (7 December)
On 7 December, I met Mr Marian Lupu (President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova). We discussed the implementation of the Council of Europe Pre-electoral Assistance Plan, the ongoing negotiations on the Transnistrian settlement and the Gagauz legislation. Mr Lupu also informed me about the new Education Code, the Audiovisual Code, the new Law on Public Finances, the draft Law on Local Public Finances and the international conference on the democratic responsiblity of the media during election campaigns co-organised by the Moldovan Parliament as part of the Pre-electoral Assistance Plan (Chisinau, 1 December).
11. Information Session on International Schooling
I should like to take this opportunity to inform you that the Directorate of Human Resources will organise an Information Session on International Schooling from 12.30 to 3.00 pm on 13 January in the Lobby of the Assembly Chamber. I encourage all of you to participate in this event during which you will be able to obtain information about the various schooling options available in the area.
12. Staff matters (in camera)
Communication from the Deputy Secretary General
1. UNICEF CEE/CIS Regional Management Team Meeting
– Montreux (6 November)
On 6 November, I travelled to Montreux to meet UNICEF Europe’s Regional Management Team and the representatives of all UNICEF’s regional offices in Central and Eastern Europe and in the CIS countries. During a four-hour exchange of views, we discussed how we can continue to work together to bring forward our common children’s rights agenda implementing our joint declaration. This meeting helped greatly to move from information sharing to agenda planning.
2. 27th Quadripartite meeting between the Council of Europe and the European Union – Brussels (10 November)
On 10 November, I took part in the 27thQuadripartite meeting together with Mr Carl Bildt (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers) and, representing the European Union, Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet (State Secretary for European Affairs of France), and Mr Karel Kovanda (Deputy Director General in the External Relations Directorate General of the European Commission). Ambassador Sjögren and Ambassador Gain also participated. Conclusions adopted by the participants have been made available on the web site.
3. Council of Europe Conference “Human Rights in culturally diverse societies: challenges and perspectives” – The Hague (12 November)
On 12 November, together with Ms Guusje ter Horst (Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands), I opened the Council of Europe Conference on “Human Rights in culturally diverse societies: challenges and perspectives”. My speech is available on the web site.
It was an important event which took place immediately after the Lisbon Forum organised by the North-South Centre and the Alliance of Civilizations on 10 November and was a follow‑up to a conference on this topic which took place five years ago in the Hague under the Dutch Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
I also gave two interviews to the Dutch media.
I would like to thank the Dutch authorities for the warm welcome I received and the excellent co-operation in the organisation of this event.
4. European Development Days, Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalism 2008 of the European Commission – Strasbourg (15 November)
At the invitation of Mr Louis Michel (European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid), I was the guest presenter for the “Europe” region of the Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalism 2008. This event was organised on 15 November in Strasbourg by the European Commission in the context of the European Development Days. Commissioner Michel was also present and awarded the Grand Prix. The three winners for Europe were Mr Pierre Guyot (France), Ms Mirjana Rakela (Czech Republic) and Ms Angela Robson (United Kingdom).
5. Courtesy visit by Mr Alem Menouar (Ambassador of Morocco to the European Union) and Mr Mohammed Alaoui Belrhiti (Consul General of Morocco in Strasbourg) – Strasbourg (17 November)
On 17 November I received a courtesy visit from Mr Alem Menouar (Ambassador of Morocco to the European Union) and Mr Mohammed Alaoui (Consul General of Morocco in Strasbourg). We discussed co‑operation between the Council of Europe and Morocco, notably in the light of the Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation on “strengthening co‑operation with the Maghreb countries”. We also discussed co‑operation in the areas of children’s and women’s rights, as well as possible accession by Morocco to Council of Europe conventions.
6. Conference “Justice and the Rule of Law in the South Caucasus – achievements and challenges for the judicial professions”
– Tbilisi (18 November)
On 18 November, I travelled to Tbilisi to make an opening address at the Conference” Justice and the Rule of Law in the South Caucasus – achievements and challenges for the judicial professions” organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia within the framework of the Swedish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers. My speech is available on the web site.
Although there was general consensus on the need to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, ensuring effective access to justice at all levels, inter alia, by means of an efficient court system, a professional and independent Bar and a well-functioning legal aid system in order to foster the rule of law and enhance human rights, no final conclusions were adopted by the participants.
The conclusions of the Chair and the statements of the delegations present at the Conference have been distributed to you.
While in Tbilisi, I took the opportunity to have a number of bilateral meetings. I met Ms Eka Tkeshelashvili (Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia), Mr Zurab Adeishvili (Minister of Justice of Georgia), Mr Vileyat Zahirov (Deputy Minister of Justice of Azerbaijan) and Mr Nikolay Arustumyan (Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia).
I participated in a press event together with Minister Tkeshelashvili.
I also visited an IDP camp situated in the centre of Tbilisi and an orphanage for disabled children run by a Non-Governmental Organisation called “First Step”. I was accompanied by Mr Koba Subeliani (Minister for IDPs) during the first visit and by Mr Aleksander Kvitashvili (Minister for Health and Social Welfare) during the second visit.
I should like to thank the Georgian authorities for their hospitality and especially Ambassador Tchiaberashvili who accompanied me throughout the visit. I should also like to thank the Swedish Chairmanship for having taken the initiative to organise a Conference on a topical issue and with a regional perspective.
7. Meetings of the Executive Committee and Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – Montreal (22-23 November)
On 22 and 23 November in Montreal, I participated in the meeting of the Executive Committee of WADA at the invitation of Mr Brian Mikkelsen (Minister of Justice and former Minister of Sport of Denmark). I also participated in the meeting of the Foundation Board of WADA as a member. At these meetings, I reflected the positions and recommendations of the Ad Hoc European Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency (CAHAMA) which had prepared the European position on a number of issues.
On the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (the Standard), I reported to the GR-C on 24 October that Europe had been outvoted in the September meeting of the Executive Committee and the Standard had been adopted despite the European reservations.
The Standard was again on the agenda of the Executive Committee, and I tabled a motion to suspend its entry into force (moratorium) in line with the CAHAMA position. The motion was defeated with eight votes to two (Europe and the USA).
At the Foundation Board meeting, a new motion to suspend presented by France was supported by the European governments, Argentina and Mexico, but not carried by the Board.
I made it very clear that the European countries would not be in a position to apply the Standard as a result of its incompatibilities with Council of Europe standards, European directives and national legislation on data protection.
As regards the issue of the reform of WADA Statutes, the proposal by Europe to adopt a comprehensive approach to all issues relating to internal decision-making processes was carried.
The report on Code Compliance and Implementation was deferred until May 2009.
8. III World Congress against sexual exploitation of children and adolescents and official contacts – Rio de Janeiro (24-25 November)
On 24-25 November, I travelled to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the III World Congress against sexual exploitation of children and adolescents organised by UNICEF, ECPAT International and the NGO Grouping to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in partnership with the Brazilian Government. President Lula of Brazil opened the Congress which was attended by some 2000 people including government officials from around the world, representatives of international institutions and NGOs. Ms Ann Veneman (Executive Director of UNICEF) and Queen Sylvia of Sweden also delivered a speech at the opening.
I chaired the second plenary session of the Congress on Legal Framework and Accountability during which Ms Veneman and Ms Yanghee Lee (President of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child) also spoke. In my opening remarks, I drew the participants’ attention to our Conventions (Cybercrime, Trafficking in human beings, Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children) as key legal tools (open to non-member states) to effectively prevent and combat sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
Many speakers referred to the need to stop sexual exploitation and abuse of children through the Internet.
The Congress Outcome Document, presented by the General Rapporteur, Mr Jaap Doek (the Netherlands), could not be adopted at the end of the Congress owing to lack of consensus particularly on the Action Plan. A written consultation process has started. Personally, I hope that states could make a firm commitment to ratify our three Conventions.
In the margins of the Congress, I had several bilateral meetings:
First, I met Mr Gerd Hoofe (Secretary of State for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth of Germany). He raised the issue of the role and responsibility of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in verifying the content of what is posted on the net as a key to combating sexual exploitation of children through the Internet and draft legislation being considered in Germany in this respect. We discussed how we could address this issue at European level. One such way could be to add a provision to our Cybercrime Convention through an additional protocol. Mr Hoofe said that Germany could possibly consider organising an event next year to launch the debate on this very delicate issue.
I had a bilateral meeting with Ms Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children). I was pleased to hear that she intends to use our Anti-Trafficking Convention as a model for countries around the world, and her interest to know more about the Council of Europe.
With Ms Idalia Moniz (Secretary of State for Disability of Portugal), I discussed the possibility of sharing the Council of Europe comprehensive strategy to combat violence against children with South American countries (in the context of the successive Portuguese Chairmanships of the Communauté des pays de langue portugaise and of the Organization of Ibero-American States).
With Ms Lee, I discussed the Council of Europe’s participation in the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – the widest ratified treaty in the world.
With Ms Veneman, I discussed modalities of co-operation between the Council of Europe and UNICEF.
9. Meeting of the Committee on Equal Opportunities between Women and Men of the Parliamentary Assembly (AS/Eg) – Madrid (27 November)
I gave an update on the “state of play” of the draft terms of reference of the Committee for the drafting of the future convention against domestic violence and violence against women, explaining that your Committee is still discussing the matter. Clearly, members of AS/Eg are very keen to see progress, and recalled PACE Recommendation 1847(2008) on combating violence against women: towards a Council of Europe Convention.
10. Meeting with Mr Mariano Fernandez Bermejo (Minister of Justice of Spain) – Madrid (27 November)
On 27 November, I had a meeting with Mr Mariano Fernandez Bermejo (Minister of Justice of Spain) during which we mainly discussed the part of the programme of the Spanish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers pertaining to legal and human rights issues. We also talked about the follow-up to the Lanzarote Conference of the Council of Europe’s Ministers of Justice (October 2007). I was very pleased to note once again Minister Bermejo’s unconditional support for the Council of Europe’s work in his areas of competence which augurs well for a successful Chairmanship. Minister Bermejo confirmed Spain’s intention to sign and ratify a number of Council of Europe conventions as soon as possible, notably our Conventions on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse and our Convention on Cybercrime. We also discussed the organisation of the Conference on children in the criminal justice system which will take place in Toledo on 12-13 March 2009 (in the context of the Spanish Chairmanship) and the situation relating to the draft terms of reference for the ad hoc committee to draft a Council of Europe convention or conventions against domestic violence and violence against women.
11. Meeting of the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly
– Madrid (27 November)
On 27 November, I participated in the meeting of the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly. Discussions focused, inter alia, on the follow-up given to Resolution 1633(2008) on the consequences of the war between Georgia and Russia, and the preparation of the first part of the 2009 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly.
12. Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Sport – Biarritz (28 November)
On 28 November, I went to Biarritz to address the Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Sport. I mainly informed participants about the forthcoming Council of Europe Conference of Sports Ministers in Athens, and reported on the recent statutory meetings of WADA (cf item 7). I was pleased to see that EU Ministers, particularly the French EU Presidency, share my assessment of Europe’s relations with WADA. A declaration which also refers to the important role of the Council of Europe in the area of sport was adopted.
13. Meeting with Armen Gevorgyan (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration of Armenia) – Strasbourg (1 December)
On 1 December, I met Mr Armen Gevorgyan (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration of Armenia). Minister Gevorgyan informed me about the situation related to the state of local democracy in Armenia, and more specifically about the progress on the adoption of the Law on Yerevan. I called on the Minister to make sure that the expert opinion prepared by the Council of Europe is properly taken into account. The Minister also informed me about the progress as well as the difficulties regarding the investigation into the events of 1 March. In some cases it is very difficult to establish the identity of people responsible for the deaths on 1 March. Finally, we discussed the progress in the reform of the judiciary sytem in Armenia. I assured Minister Gevorgyan of the readiness of the Council of Europe to provide assistance in all these endeavours.
14. Meeting of the European Committee of Social Rights on the occasion of its 40th anniversary – Strasbourg (1 December)
On 1 December, I addressed the European Committee of Social Rights on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. In my speech, which is available on the web site, I underlined the importance of the role of the Committee’s members as guardians of economic and social rights in member states of the Council of Europe. I also said that their approach over the past forty years has contributed to the indivisibility of human rights and has shown that social rights must not be treated as less important or different from other human rights. Finally, I said that their task is even more significant in these times of severe economic difficulties.
During the exchange of views following my speech, the main message from the members of the Committee was that they wanted the notion of the indivisibility of human rights to be translated at institutional level in the Council of Europe.
15. Meeting with Mr Bojan Pajtic (President of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina) – Strasbourg (2 December)
In the margins of the Autumn Session of the Congress, I met Mr Bojan Pajtic (President of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina) who was in Strasbourg for the Prize of the Regions awarded by the Congress in partnership with Dexia. This Prize is awarded to regions committed to promoting good practices in the field of regional economical development and democracy, and the theme chosen this year was “Promoting social cohesion through economic development”. The project of the Province of Vojvodina, “Support development of women’s entrepreneurship”, aims to encourage the creation of small businesses by women in the Province through training and loans.
The other four winning regions came from Germany, Poland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Two special awards also went to regions from Greece and Romania.
I congratulated Mr Pajtic for this great achievement. Amongst other topics, we discussed the situation in the region as regards minorities, especially Roma.
16. International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Strasbourg (3 December)
On 3 December, I opened an event to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Professor Jérôme de Sèze (Professor of Neurology), Ms Béatrice Jenny (Nurse in the AlSacEP network) and Dr Marianne Mengus (occupational physician at the Council of Europe) spoke on the theme “Multiple Sclerosis: an obstacle to active life?”.
The event was very well attended by staff and outside guests. The idea of the event, organised by the Equal Opportunities Unit of the Directorate of Human Resources and the Staff Committee is, though discussion on a specific disability topic, to raise awareness amongst staff and administration and to look for new ideas about how to create better conditions and a favourable atmosphere for a fuller professional life of collegues with disabilities.
17. Meeting with Mr Mikhail Gulevsky (May of Lipetsk, Russian Federation)
– Strasbourg (3 December)
On 3 December, I met Mr Mikhail Gulevsky (Mayor of Lipetsk, Russian Federation) with whom I discussed the Council of Europe’s action in the field of sport, especially the Conventions on Anti-doping and on Spectator violence. Mr Gulevsky organised the “Atlant” Film Festival of movies on sports in Lipetsk which received the patronage of the Secretary General.
I also presented the ongoing and forthcoming Council of Europe awareness-raising campaigns on Anti-discrimination, Children and Violence against women. I was very pleased that Mr Gulevsky declared his readiness to co-operate with the Directorate of Communication in order for the city of Lipetsk to be able to participate in our campaigns. Further contacts will be taken to follow up this issue, but I am already very grateful to Mr Gulevsky for his availability.
18. Meeting with Mr Yavuz Mildon (President of the Congress)
– Strasbourg (4 December)
On 4 December, I met Mr Yavuz Mildon (President of the Congress) with whom I held an exchange of views on the main achievements of the autumn Session and current Congress activities.
19. Meeting with Ms Anna Ziemnicka (President of the European Law Students’ Association) – Strasbourg (5 December)
On 5 December, I met Ms Anna Ziemnicka (President of ELSA – European Law Students’ Association) and members of the Board of ELSA. ELSA is an Association with participatory status with the Council of Europe. It is the world’s largest independent law student association, represented in 220 law faculties in 36 countries across Europe with over 30 000 members. We discussed ELSA’s involvement in our Campaigns and its possible input into our work.
20. United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
– Hyderabad, India (3-6 December)
Security considerations resulting from the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai prevented me as well as the Secretariat team and national experts designated by the Council of Europe from being physically present in Hyderabad for the United Nations Internet Government Forum. I issued a press release in this respect.
However, this did not in any way change our commitment to the IGF process. In spite of our physical absence from Hyderabad, I recorded four short videos which were shown in the opening session, as well as in three workshops concerning Internet accessibility for people with disability, the public value of the Internet and a code of good practice on public participation in Internet governance. The Secretariat interacted through web links in several other workshops concerning critical Internet resources, youth, cybercrime, public participation and mainstreaming human rights. The Council of Europe’s written contribution was largely referred to in the main Conference document.
On the whole, and given the circumstances, I am satisfied by our “virtual” participation in this year’s IGF – I believe that we managed to put our message across which is, in simple terms, building a safe and open Internet, governed with people in mind.
We will continue our commitment to the United Nations IGF process, and plan to facilitate next year, as we did this year, a European Dialogue on Internet Governance at the Council of Europe in preparation for the next IGF in 2009 in Cairo.
Appendix I
Speech by The Rt Hon Terry Davis
Secretary General of the Council of Europe
OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Helsinki
4 December 2008
If there is one thing I have learned in many years of giving talks and making speeches, it is that brevity is the mother of attention. So when I tell you that I will be brief, I mean it.
Several of the speakers before me have referred to the events which took place in the Caucasus last August , namely the conflict between two member states of both the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
For my part, I draw one conclusion and two lessons from what happened. While the jury is still out on how to apportion the blame for the outburst of hostilities, it is clear that both countries broke the specific commitments they made at the time of joining Council of Europe, specifically to settle conflicts by peaceful means.
As for lessons, the crisis has shown that we need to reinforce conflict prevention in Europe. The United Nations and the OSCE have been working very hard to contain the so-called frozen conflicts in Georgia and in other parts of Europe, but it is clear that efforts to contain conflicts need to be supported by measures which target the roots of the conflicts and create the basis for long-term internal and regional stability. The fire-fighters are working hard and they deserve much credit, but without proper attention to fire prevention, they are fighting an uphill battle.
The second lesson is that in situations like these, soul searching and a critical assessment of what we have done and what we have failed to do is normal, but we should not simply give knee-jerk reactions. In the aftermath of a war, we need to take a critical look at international mechanisms, but perhaps before creating new ones, we should see how we can better use existing ones.
The Council of Europe is already involved and will continue to be involved in the international action to respond to the immediate aftermath of the war, in accordance with the decisions of our member states and in close co-operation with our partners, especially the OSCE. In addition, we will continue with our programmes of co-operation, assistance and monitoring aimed at reinforcing compliance with Council of Europe standards and principles, in the countries in the region and throughout Europe.
These activities are related to the Council of Europe core values which are democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Council of Europe is a Europe-wide framework in which the member states are locked into a system of legally binding standards. Against the background of recent events, it is clear that we need to be more vigilant, consistent and insistent when it comes to failures to abide by these standards.
Finally, we should not neglect activities in areas such as culture and intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, youth and sport. These activities have a very important role in relations within and between our member states. They are an essential dimension of European co-operation, and they provide every member state with the opportunity to participate and contribute to the achievement of our common objectives. They bring everyone on board, and this is indispensable if we want to overcome differences and divisions and make real progress in respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe.