Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, presented his annual report in the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. In this report, he raised concerns for the state of press freedom and the protection of journalists, which has worsened, according to the commissioner.
By Aagje Van Raemdonck
Council of Europe commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, presented his annual report on April 7 in Strasbourg during the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, warning about attacks against civil society and the roll-back of human rights.
“I am greatly troubled by the plight of defenders, journalists, and NGOs, especially those working for the rights of LGBTI people and women in several countries. Their safety and well-being are a bellwether for the health of our democracies, and by that measure, the outlook is very worrying,” he said. According to O’Flaherty, the defence of press freedom is inevitably linked to the preservation of democracy.
Addressing members of national parliaments from 46 countries, O’Flaherty warned of the challenges faced by journalists across Europe. He raised concerns about the lack of accountability for crimes against journalists, government repression, criminal charges and abusive lawsuits used to silence the press.
Last year, O’Flaherty attended multiple events on the topic of media freedom, on which he reflected on in his annual report. In May 2024, O’Flaherty talked about the importance of independent and free media. “Crucial steps must be taken to ensure that journalists can work freely and safely,” he said back then.
In June 2024, the commissioner met with a delegation of Ukrainian journalists. He pledged his full support for the media in Ukraine. “Russia’s attack on Ukrainian media is not just an attack on journalists, it is an attack on Ukraine’s democracy,” he said.
Last year, in November, ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, O’Flaherty said: “The lack of justice for murdered journalists across Europe is a troubling sign of the dangers facing the press.”
“This trend must be reversed,” he also said back then.
Last December, he also expressed support for the work of Reporters Without Borders Germany on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Later on, he spoke about maintaining free and diverse media with the Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI). The CMSI is a Council of Europe body created to coordinate its work with the media and on other information-related issues.
In December 2024, O’Flaherty also released a statement, expressing his concerns about the disproportionate use of force by police against protesters and journalists covering demonstrations in Georgia. He called upon the Georgian government to ‘fulfil their obligations’ and protect the right of peaceful assembly.
In the annual report, the commissioner encouraged member states to be “sturdier in the defence of human rights” in general. “We are at a crucial tipping point in the protection of human rights,” he stated.
Despite these setbacks, the commissioner remains hopeful. He stated in his annual report: “We can bring human rights back from the precipice […] we can protect what has been achieved and consolidate it for the future.”
Michael O’Flaherty was elected Commissioner for Human Rights by the Council of Europe in January 2024. This annual report was his first report in this position. He previously served as the head of the European Fundamental Rights Agency.