Catalogue
PDF - State of democracy, human rights and the rule of law (2016)
A security imperative for Europe
The past 12 months have seen a gear shift in Europe’s security concerns. Recent terrorist attacks have sent a shockwave through our societies. Unco-ordinated responses to the migrant crisis have sustained chaos at our borders. Combined with economic uncertainty, this is creating fertile ground for nationalists and xenophobes who seek to exploit public anxiety. Such developments are posing serious problems for our shared security.
This is the third annual report of the Secretary General on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The report assesses the extent to which the Council of Europe’s member states are able to make the building blocks of democratic security a reality and exposes Europe’s democratic shortcomings, which require immediate attention. The report also highlights pan-European trends and areas for joint action, where key recommendations have been made.
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1 – AN EFFICIENT, IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Introduction
Judicial independence
Efficiency of court proceedings
Enforcement of court judgments
Legality and legal certainty
Access to legal aid
Lawyer professionalism
Proposed actions and recommendations
CHAPTER 2 – FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Introduction
Safety of journalists and others performing public watchdog functions
Protection from arbitrary application of law
Media independence
Media pluralism and diversity
Protection of freedom of expression on the Internet
Proposed actions and recommendations
CHAPTER 3 – FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
Introduction
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of association
Proposed actions and recommendations
CHAPTER 4 – DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Introduction
Free and fair elections
Functioning of democratic institutions
Vertical separation of powers
Good governance
Proposed actions and recommendations
CHAPTER 5 – INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES
Introduction
Social rights
Non-discrimination
Integration of migrants
Education and culture for democracy
Engaging young people
Proposed actions and recommendations