"Systematic work for human rights is a signal of commitment", says Commissioner Hammarberg

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, issued on 18 February a recommendation on systematic work for implementing human rights. The recommendation demonstrates how states can implement these rights effectively by using baseline studies, relevant action plans and indicators.

The Commissioner stresses that "to develop an action plan openly presenting problems and corresponding activities is a signal of commitment to human rights. Systematic work for human rights means a continuous and inclusive process. It brings national, regional and local authorities, national human rights structures, civil society representatives and other stakeholders together for the implementation of agreed human rights standards. It aims to bridge the gap between the rights proclaimed in human rights instruments and how these rights are respected in individual countries."

The Commissioner's recommendation is published at the same time as the report of the Conference "Rights Work! - International Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights Implementation" which was organised by the Swedish Chairmanship of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers in Stockholm on 6-7 November 2008.

The report can be found at the conference web-site: www.sweden.gov.se/rightswork 

*****
The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness of, and respect for, human rights in the 47 member states of the Organisation. Elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the present Commissioner, Mr Thomas Hammarberg, took up his function on 1 April 2006.