The Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, gave an address during the event organised by the European Court of Human Rights on the 70th anniversary of the signature of the European Convention on Human Rights, the most important European legal text on the protection of human rights.
“The Convention is our legal compass”, noted the Alternate Minister, underlining the particular importance of this year’s anniversary, as the unprecedented circumstances we are facing due to the pandemic render the need for a solid point of reference for governments, citizens and institutions more imperative than ever.
He stressed that, due to the global reach of the Convention, the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights are universally accepted and, despite originating from a judicial body, take on political importance and have a significant impact on bilateral relations. “ECtHR case-law has become a major factor for shaping future society”, he underlined, adding that the role of the President and members of the ECtHR is important as citizens, particularly in countries where human rights and fundamental freedoms are being challenged, expect them to convey the proper messages.
Mr Varvitsiotis also spoke about the need for the EU to accede to the Convention. “We believe this matter is a crucial political decision that will send a strong message and must not be impeded by bureaucratic and procedural obstacles”, he stressed, adding that “in this context, we intend to highlight the matter by holding a special event on the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights in Athens, on 4 November” as one of the key events of the Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe.
Finally, he underlined that we must designate a set of principles on the protection of Democracy, the rule of law and human rights during an era of emergencies such as the pandemic. “The Athens Declaration on the Protection of Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights during a pandemic will include and promote these principles and values”, he noted. "We owe it to the younger generations of Europeans, to Generation-E”, he said in closing.
September 18, 2020