Finland: Foreign Minister Haavisto to attend a session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on democracy, the rule of law and human rights

NordenBladet — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 4 November 2020 will be held in virtual format. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. The main topics on the meeting agenda will be the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on democracy, the rule of law and human rights.At their annual session, the ministers, who represent the 47 member States of the Council of Europe, discuss the Council’s role in European crises and conflicts, the long-term effectiveness of the System of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the organisation’s activities in the neighbouring areas.  Greece, which currently holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, will organise a celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights in Athens.“The Council of Europe has actively defended democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Europe also during the coronavirus pandemic,” says Minister Haavisto. “The 70 year-old European Convention on Human Rights is our strongest foundation in responding to today’s challenges. Both scientific and technological advances and disputes and conflicts are transforming Europe at an ever faster pace. The European Court of Human Rights keeps abreast of these developments, maintaining the Convention as a dynamic instrument.The previous session of the Committee of Ministers was held in Helsinki in 2019, when Finland served as the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi