On 16 and 17 May 2024, Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took part in a commemorative ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and the annual ministerial session of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.
75 years after the founding of the Council of Europe, it remains a unique intergovernmental organisation. Despite the challenges, its work to protect and strengthen standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law continues. At the moment, the threat to the values and standards of the Council of Europe is real. Individual countries in our region are drifting away from democracy and reverting to a policy of violence and brutality: we are witnessing Russia’s war of aggression against an independent member of the Council of Europe, Ukraine. In a discussion with the Council of Europe’s Member States, Dace Melbārde underlined that, in turbulent times, it was important for Europe and Europeans to have strong roots. A tree without long and strong roots cannot withstand storms. The Council of Europe as an organisation is rooted in shared values and standards, a common European heritage and history.
On 17 May, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe gathered for a session, at which the main items on the agenda were the Council of Europe’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the implementation of the decisions taken at the Reykjavik Summit, cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, and the adoption of the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
The Parliamentary Secretary addressed the ministerial session, stressing Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine and reaffirming that Latvia stands for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal to hold Russia accountable for the crime of aggression.
In her address, Dace Melbārde Highlighted Latvia’s commitment to the fundamental values of the Council of Europe: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Addressing today’s challenges in the digital age, the Parliamentary Secretary underscored the need to fight intolerance, discrimination and violence. Dace Melbārde recalled that last year Latvia ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and reaffirmed Latvia’s readiness to cooperate with the Council of Europe in the implementation of the Convention.
The Parliamentary Secretary expressed her gratitude to Liechtenstein for the successful Presidency and exemplary leadership of the Committee of Ministers, and she warmly welcomed the next Lithuanian Presidency, expressing confidence in its ability to successfully advance the organisation’s agenda.
Finally, Dace Melbārde confirmed that Latvia welcomes the new Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Background Information
The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and is the oldest political organization in Europe, uniting 46 European countries. The organisation's aim is to build a common democratic and judicial area by ensuring respect for and protection of its fundamental values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
From 17 May to 15 November 2023, Latvia held the rotating presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It was the second presidency of Latvia since joining the organisation in 1995. The Latvian Presidency paid special attention to support for Ukraine and the issue of Russia's accountability, including the establishment of a Council of Europe Register of Damage to document losses and damage resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
