The role of local and regional authorities

in the implementation of human rights

1. Event

Debate in the Chamber of Regions of the Congress.

2. Date

Wednesday 17 March, 15.50pm Afternoon Session (Hemicycle of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg)

3. Participants in the Congress debate

Rapporteur : Lars O. MOLIN, Sweden (L, EPP /CD).

Statements by:

Dieter Von BLARER, Switzerland (Ombudsman for the Canton Basel-City);

Stefan WOLF, Germany (Lord Mayor of Weimar).

4. Background

In line with the principle of subsidiarity, local and regional authorities may be considered to be the primary players in accomplishing the Council’s human rights mission. Systematic work to implement and monitor human rights at local and regional level not only aids the implementation of human rights in the whole of Europe, it also can contribute to the reduction of the burden at national level and ensure a more effective functioning of the European Court of Human Rights.

There is a strong interrelation between human rights on the one hand and local or regional self-government on the other hand. There are no human rights without democracy and there is no democracy without local democracy.

5. Elements for the debate

Specific aims for the Congress in implementating of human rights:

Activities carried out by the Congress with a view to implementing human rights:

Contact

Division of Communication, International Relations and Observation of Elections

Tel. +33 (0)3 90 21 52 40

Fax +33 (0)3 88 41 37 47

[email protected]