Annual Conference 2020
Building Better Together for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law in Europe – Recognising the Role of National Human Rights Institutions
2 December 2020, 9.30 – 12.30 (CET) — Virtual Event
Building Better Together for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law in Europe – Recognising the Role of National Human Rights Institutions
This autumn marks a milestone for the recognition of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in European policy on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. A number of reports and policy documents at the levels of the EU and the Council of Europe are being launched and adopted, recognising the important role of NHRIs in advancing human rights for all.
In this context, ENNHRI’s Annual Conference 2020 will bring together leaders of European NHRIs with key European policy makers for an online public debate. The Conference will consist of online panels with European policy-makers and civil society revolving around the strategic engagement with and support for NHRIs, for the better promotion and protection of human rights in Europe. It will be preceded by two leadership webinars for ENNHRI members.
Speakers
Caroline Fennell
ENNHRI Chair, Commissioner at Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Andreas Peschke
 Director-General for European Affairs, German Foreign Office
Joachim Herrmann
Member of Commissioner Reynders’ Cabinet
Birgit Van Hout
Regional Representative for Europe, UN Human Rights (OHCHR)
Nils Muižnieks
Amnesty International Regional Director for Europe
Luisa Ragher
European External Action Service, Head of Division Human Rights
Michael O’Flaherty
Director, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights
Christophe Poirel
Director of Human Rights, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe
Katarzyna Gardapkhadze
First Deputy Director of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Programme
2 December 2020
Speakers subject to confirmation
9.30 – 9.35Â
Introduction
Prof Caroline Fennell, ENNHRI Chair
09.35 – 09.45
Presentation of NHRI & policy recommendations
Katrien Meuwissen, Senior Human Rights Officer, ENNHRI
09.45 – 10.00
Keynote Speech: Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy in the context of Germany’s double Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Council of Europe
Andreas Peschke, Director-General for European Affairs, German Foreign Office
10.00 – 11.10
High-level Panel Debate 1
Joachim Herrmann, Member of Commissioner Reynders’ Cabinet
Birgit Van Hout, Regional Representative for Europe, UN Human Rights (OHCHR)
Nils Muižnieks, Amnesty International Regional Director for Europe
Luisa Ragher, European External Action Service, Head of Division Human Rights
Moderator: Beate Rudolf, Director, German Institute for Human Rights
11.20 – 12.20
High-Level Panel Debate 2
Michael O’Flaherty, Director, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights
Christophe Poirel, Director of Human Rights, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe
Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, First Deputy Director of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Moderator: Lora Vidović, Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia
12.20 – 12.30
Closing remarks
Debbie Kohner, Secretary-General of ENNHRI
Leadership Webinars
Ahead of the Annual Conference on 2 December, ENNHRI members were invited to join two preliminary leadership webinars in November.
Resources
Advancing human rights in EU internal and external policy: What opportunities for NHRIs?
On 9 and 10 November, ENNHRI hosted two webinars focusing on opportunities for NHRIs to enhance human rights, the rule of law and democracy through new EU policy instruments. NHRI heads and EU policy actors exchanged on how NHRIs’ strategic engagement at the regional level can effect change at the national level.
EU rule of law report and resolution highlight important role of NHRIs
The European Commission has published its first report assessing the rule of law situation in all EU Member States, recognising the important role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and referring to their contributions through ENNHRI.
FRA report: 'Strong and effective national human rights institutions – challenges, promising practices and opportunities'
NHRIs are a vital part of the country-level human rights protection system. This report explores relevant developments, challenges to their effectiveness and ways to maximise their impact.
Council of Europe CDDH-INST Draft Recommendation on the development and strengthening of effective, pluralistic and independent NHRIs
The CDDH-INST draft text is a pivotal step for further recognition and strengthening of European NHRIs and their cooperation with the Council of Europe, helping to realise human rights across the region.
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation on the need to strengthen the protection and promotion of civil society space in Europe
The Recommendation makes reference to the role of NHRIs as promoters and protectors of civil society space and marks a milestone in the recognition of the role of NHRIs in defending civil society space.
State of the Rule of Law in Europe - Reports from NHRIs
The report provides an overview of trends and challenges in the region and underlines the importance of strong and independent NHRIs in helping drive progress on human rights and the rule of law in Europe.
European Commission monitoring of the rule of law: What role for NHRIs?
NHRIs play a vital role in ensuring robust monitoring of the rule of law in member States of the European Union (EU). Birgit Van Hout of UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe explains why and how the role of NHRIs in the EU’s new rule of law mechanism matters.
ENNHRI inputs on new strategy for implementing the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
ENNHRI made a submission on the review of the EU’s 2010 Strategy for the effective implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, at the invitation of the European Commission. The submission is based on the insights and experience gained on the Charter’s implementation since ENNHRI’s establishment five years ago, as well as information collected from European NHRIs on the Charter.
ENNHRI inputs on new strategy for implementing the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
ENNHRI made a submission on the review of the EU’s 2010 Strategy for the effective implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, at the invitation of the European Commission. The submission is based on the insights and experience gained on the Charter’s implementation since ENNHRI’s establishment five years ago, as well as information collected from European NHRIs on the Charter.
ENNHRI inputs on new European Democracy Action Plan
ENNHRI has made a submission to the European Commission on the new European Democracy Action Plan, which aims to tackle key challenges for European democracy, including in relation to elections, media freedom and pluralism, and the fight against disinformation.
NHRI networks advocate for NHRIs as key partners in new EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy
In a submission to the EU, all official networks of NHRIs have formally underlined the importance of including NHRIs as key partners in the new draft EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. The submission was supported by the Global Alliance of NHRIs and the four regional NHRI networks of Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas and Europe (ENNHRI).
