Europe’s oldest intergovernmental human rights body
Israel's parliament is set to pass legislation allowing the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians accused of terror, sparking international criticism. Countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy have expressed concern over the bill's discriminatory nature and potential violation of international law. The law is expected to face legal challenges.
International groups report worsening press freedom in Serbia, citing increased violence and attacks on journalists during recent local elections. The government condemns violence but faces accusations of suppressing media and political repression, with protests and violence continuing in several towns.
A political declaration from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states clarifies rights and limits on asylum enforcement, potentially enabling third-country hubs and faster deportations. The document is non-binding but signals a shift in how Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR may be applied in practice.
A non-binding Chișinău declaration has been adopted by all 46 members of the Council of Europe, endorsing the use of third-country return hubs and other measures to deter irregular migration. The move is forecast to press courts to apply rights laws more restrictively in asylum and immigration cases while sparking political battles among EU states.