The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) today notes the significant adoption by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers of a political declaration reaffirming member states’ commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights and the independence of the European Court of Human Rights.
The declaration, adopted by consensus by the 46 member states meeting in Chișinău, Moldova, addresses the operation of the Convention system in the context of migration and reflects both national perspectives and established Strasbourg case-law.
IHREC Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said:
“At a time of growing political pressure on human rights institutions across Europe, it is significant that all 46 member states have reaffirmed their commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights and the authority of the European Court of Human Rights.”
He added:
“Migration is a complex policy challenge for all European states, but it is essential that public discourse and political debate remain grounded in human rights principles and the rule of law. In particular, migration should not be weaponised in public discourse at a time of elections and heightened political tensions.”
Mr Herrick said the declaration highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions while ensuring that migration governance remains fully compliant with human rights obligations.
“States have responsibilities in relation to border management and migration policy, but these responsibilities must always be exercised in compliance with the Convention system and the protections it guarantees. Human rights protections are most important precisely at moments of political pressure and uncertainty.
"A key outcome from this process has been to confirm that when Governments have concerns about political issues such as migration, these concerns must be raised through established multilateral processes and not politicised by individual States or groups of States."
Earlier this week, IHREC wrote to Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee ahead of the Council of Europe meeting, welcoming Ireland’s longstanding support for the Convention system while expressing concern that aspects of the negotiations could risk undermining protections under the Convention if not carefully framed.
The Commission reiterated the importance of safeguarding the independence of the European Court of Human Rights, the binding nature of the Convention, and the integrity of the wider European human rights framework.