The conference titled “Reclaiming human rights in Europe: How to enhance the democratic space?” will offer a chance to discuss the most current issues this field – counter-terrorism, freedom of expression and living together, as well as the role of human rights institutions and equality bodies in preserving democracy and the rule of law.
Human rights and equality are being challenged in wider Europe, confronted with reactions to the continuing mass migration flows, rise of extremism and intolerance, security concerns, as well as the ongoing impact of austerity measures, resulting in growing inequalities which contribute to hardship and further radicalization.
Democratic space is in need of enhancement: counter terrorism measures are often wrongly considered to be in conflict with respect for human rights and equality, even though commitment to these values is one of the bedrocks of fight against terrorism in democratic societies; freedom of expression faces various obstacles, while there is still no efficient answer to hate speech, especially online; living together, in terms of integration and equality, is far from being achieved.
Human rights defenders, including national human rights institutions, ombudsmen and equality bodies, and their networks, play a crucial role in answering to these great challenges, in cooperation with international organisations and institutions. At the same time, active civil society and free media represent an important support in democratic development.
The 25th anniversary of the Ombudsman institution in the Republic of Croatia is an opportunity to discuss the interrelated issues, reaffirm the importance of human rights and equality in answering them and confirm the determination of all mentioned stakeholders in enhancing the democratic space.
Almost 50 representatives of the human rights institutions and organisations from all over Europe as well as numerous guests from Croatia will gather on May 11 and 12 in Zagreb at the International Conference.
The conference speakers include the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks, director of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights Michael O’Flaherty, former OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, Chair of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Director of the German Institute for Human Rights Beate Rudolf, President of the International Ombudsman Institute and Ombudsman of Ireland Peter Tyndall, Chair of the European Equality Bodies Network and Executive Director of the Northern Ireland Commission for Equality Evelyn Collins, as well as the UNDP and OHCHR representatives and many others.
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