Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697809010092.pdf (Malta)
IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L.

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___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra Third Part of the 2019 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe 24 - 28 June 2019 Strasbourg, France Hon Emmanuel Mallia, MP Hon Rosianne Cutajar, MP Hon Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, MP Hon Etienne Grech, MP Hon Jason Azzopardi, MP Hon Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, MP Doc.

14899 rev 25 June 2019 Third part of the 2019 Ordinary Session (24-28 June 2019) Agenda1 1.
Adopted by the Assembly on 24 June 2019, and modified on 25 June 2019.
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Abbreviations Bur: Bureau of the Assembly Per: Standing Committee Pol: Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy Jur: Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights Soc: Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development Mig: Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Cult: Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media Ega: Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination Mon: Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) Pro: Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs Cdh: Committee on the Election of Judges to the European Court of Human Rights EPP/CD: Group of the European People's Party SOC: Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group EC: European Conservatives Group ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe UEL: Group of the Unified European Left FDG: Free Democrats Group NR: Representatives not belonging to a political group Symbols 2 ¹ 4 % Presentation, statement Deadline for tabling documents Lists (speakers, questions) Votes Meetings outside the Chamber Joint Committee Thursday: 12:00-13:30 Bureau of the Assembly Monday: 08:00-09:30 Friday: 08:30-10:00 Committees Monday: 14:30-15:30 Tuesday: 08:30-10:00 Tuesday: 14:00-15:30 Wednesday: 14:00-15:30 Thursday: 08:30-10:00 Thursday: 14:00-15:30 Political groups Monday: 09:30-11:30 Monday: 15:30-16:00 Wednesday: 08:30-10:00 2 Monday 24 June 2019 Sitting No.
19 (11:30-13:30) 1.

Opening of the part-session 1.1.

Statement by the President 1.2.

Examination of credentials 2 List of delegations: o (Doc.

14913) 1.3.

Changes in the membership of committees (Commissions (2019) 06 + Add.

1) 1.4.

Requests for debate: 1.4.1.

Urgent procedure debate: “Putting an end to the Russian blackmail: request to the Committee of Ministers to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its non-payment of membership fees” 1.4.2.
Urgent procedure debate: “Obligation of all States to make sure that the people who downed flight MH17 on 17 July 2014 are brought to justice” 1.5.

Adoption of the agenda 1.6.

Approval of the minutes of the Standing Committee (Paris, 24 May 2019) (AS/Per (2019) PV 02) 2.

Address (12:30-13:30) 2.1.


Communication from the Committee of Ministers 2 Presentation by: o Ms Amélie de MONTCHALIN, Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, in charge of European Affairs, representing the French Presidency of the Committee of Ministers 2 Parliamentary question: o (Doc.

14916 rev) 4 Questions (deadline for registration: Monday 24 June, 10:00) Sitting No.

20 (16:00-00:00) 3.

Debate 3.1.


Strengthening the decision-making process of the Parliamentary Assembly concerning credentials and voting 2 Presentation by: o Ms Petra De SUTTER (Belgium, SOC), Rapporteur AS/Pro (Doc.

14900) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Monday 24 June, 12:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Monday 24 June, 12:00) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14900) 3 Tuesday 25 June 2019 Sitting No.

21 (10:00-13:00) 4.

5.

6.


Examination of credentials2 Changes in the membership of committees3 Election of a Vice-President of the Assembly in respect of the Russian Federation 7.

Debate 7.1.

Progress report of the Bureau and the Standing Committee 2 Presentation by: o Ms Petra De SUTTER (Belgium, SOC), Rapporteur AS/Bur (Doc.

14911, Doc.

14911 Add.

1, Doc.

14911 Add.

2, Doc.

14912) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Monday 24 June, 19:00) % [possibly] Vote(s) 8.

Joint debate 8.1.
Joint debate 8.1.

Budget and priorities of the Council of Europe for the biennium 2020-2021 2 Presentation by: o Mr Mart van de VEN (Netherlands, ALDE), Rapporteur AS/Pro (Doc.

14903) 8.2.

Expenditure of the Parliamentary Assembly for the biennium 2020-2021 2 Presentation by: o Mr Mart van de VEN (Netherlands, ALDE), Rapporteur AS/Pro (Doc.
14901) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Monday 24 June, 19:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Monday 24 June, 16:00) % Vote on a draft opinion (Doc.

14903) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14901) Sitting No.

22 (15:30-20:00) 9.

Joint debate 9.1.

The Istanbul Convention on violence against women: achievements and challenges 2 Presentation by: o Ms Zita GURMAI (Hungary, SOC), Rapporteur AS/Ega (Doc.

14908) 9.2.
14908) 9.2.

Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality 2 Presentation by: o Ms Elvira KOVÁCS (Serbia, EPP/CD), Rapporteur AS/Ega (Doc.

14907) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Monday 24 June, 19:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Tuesday 25 June, 10:30) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14908) % Votes on a draft resolution and a draft recommendation (Doc.

14907) 2.

Doc.

14913 Add.

3.

Commissions (2019) 06 Add.

2.

4 Wednesday 26 June 2019 Sitting No.


23 (10:00-13:00) 10.

Elections (10:00-13:00) 10.1.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe 2 List: o (Doc.

14915) 10.2.

Judges to the European Court of Human Rights 2 List of candidates in respect of: o Estonia, Germany (Doc.

14883, Doc.

14884, Doc.

14911 Add.

2) 10.3.

Election of a Vice-President of the Assembly in respect of the Russian Federation (2nd round) 11.

Debate 11.1.
Debate 11.1.

Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach 2 Presentation by: o Ms Reina de BRUIJN-WEZEMAN (Netherlands, ALDE), Rapporteur AS/Soc (Doc.

14895) o Ms Sahiba GAFAROVA (Azerbaijan, EC), Rapporteur for opinion AS/Ega (Doc.
14910) 2 Statement by: o Ms Dunja MIJATOVIĆ, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Tuesday 25 June, 19:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Tuesday 25 June, 10:30) % Votes on a draft resolution and a draft recommendation (Doc.

14895) 12.

Address (12:00-13:00) 12.1.

Mr Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA, President of Portugal Speech (12:00-12:20) Questions and replies (12:20-13:00) 4 Questions Sitting No.

24 (15:30-20:30) 13.


Elections (continued) (15:30-18:00) 13.1.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe 13.2.

Judges to the European Court of Human Rights 13.3.

Election of a Vice-President of the Assembly in respect of the Russian Federation (2nd round) 5 14.

Debate 14.1.

Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of the Russian Federation4 2 Presentation by: o Sir Roger GALE (United Kingdom, EC), Rapporteur AS/Mon (Doc.
14922) o Mr Piero FASSINO (Italy, SOC), Rapporteur for opinion AS/Pro 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Wednesday 26 June, 12:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Wednesday 26 June, 11:00) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14922) 15.

Debate 15.1.

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges 2 Presentation by: o Mr Pieter OMTZIGT (Netherlands, EPP/CD), Rapporteur AS/Jur (Doc.
14906) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Wednesday 26 June, 12:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Tuesday 25 June, 16:00) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14906) 4.

According to Rule 8.3 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure 6 Thursday 27 June 2019 Sitting No.

25 (10:00-12:00) 16.

Election (2nd round) (10:00-12:00) 16.1.

Judge to the European Court of Human Rights 2 List of candidates in respect of: o Germany (Doc.

14884, Doc.

14911 Add.

2) 17.

Joint debate 17.1.


Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals 2 Presentation by: o Baroness Doreen MASSEY (United Kingdom, SOC), Rapporteur AS/Soc (Doc.

14894) 17.2.

Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children 2 Presentation by: o Ms Rósa Björk BRYNJÓLFSDÓTTIR (Iceland, UEL), Rapporteur AS/Mig (Doc.

14905) o Ms Sevinj FATALIYEVA (Azerbaijan, EC), Rapporteur for opinion AS/Soc (Doc.
14919) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Wednesday 26 June, 19:30) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Wednesday 26 June, 10:30) % Votes on a draft resolution and a draft recommendation (Doc.

14894) % Votes on a draft resolution and a draft recommendation (Doc.

14905) Sitting No.

26 (15:30-20:00) 18.

Election (2nd round) (continued) (15:30-17:00) 18.1.

Judge to the European Court of Human Rights 19.

Debate 19.1.
Debate 19.1.

Post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria 2 Presentation by: o Mr Frank SCHWABE (Germany, SOC), Co-Rapporteur AS/Mon (Doc.

14904) o Mr Zsolt NÉMETH (Hungary, EPP/CD), Co-Rapporteur AS/Mon (Doc.

14904) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Thursday 27 June, 11:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Wednesday 26 June, 16:00) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14904) 20.

Debate 20.1.


Shedding light on the murder of Boris Nemtsov 2 Presentation by: o Mr Emanuelis ZINGERIS (Lithuania, EPP/CD), Rapporteur AS/Jur (Doc.

14902) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Thursday 27 June, 11:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Wednesday 26 June, 16:00) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14902) 7 Friday 28 June 2019 Sitting No.

27 (10:00-13:00) 21.

Debate 21.1.

Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution?
2 Presentation by: o Ms Theodora BAKOYANNIS (Greece, EPP/CD), Rapporteur AS/Pol (Doc.

14889) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Thursday 27 June, 19:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Thursday 27 June, 10:30) % Vote on a draft resolution (Doc.

14889) 22.

Debate 22.1.

Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States 2 Presentation by: o Ms Tineke STRIK (Netherlands, SOC), Rapporteur AS/Mig (Doc.
14909) 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Thursday 27 June, 19:00) ¹ Amendments (deadline for tabling: Thursday 27 June, 10:30) % Votes on a draft resolution and a draft recommendation (Doc.

14909) 23.

Debate 23.1.

Free debate 4 List of speakers (deadline for registration: Thursday 27 June, 19:00) 24.

Progress report 24.1.

Progress report of the Bureau and the Standing Committee (continued) 2 Addendum: o (Doc.

14911 Add.

3) 25.
14911 Add.

3) 25.

Closure of the part-session 8 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Monday 24 June 2019 – 19th sitting Time 11.30 a.m. 1.

Opening of the part-session a.

Statement by the President Documents Speakers/ Questions b.

Statement by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe c. Examination of credentials Doc.
14913 d. Changes in the membership of committees e. Requests for debate: Commissions (2019) 06 + Add 1 - Urgent procedure debate: “Putting an end to the Russian blackmail: request to the Committee of Ministers to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its non-payment of membership fees” - Urgent procedure debate: “Obligation of all States to make sure that the people who downed flight MH17 on 17 July 2014 are brought to justice” f. Adoption of the agenda Doc.
14899 prov 2 g. Approval of the minutes of the Standing Committee AS/Per (2019) PV 02 (Paris, 24 May 2019) 12 noon 2.

Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Council of AS/Inf (2019) 08 Europe 12.30 p.m. 3.

Address Communication from the Committee of Ministers Ms Amélie de MONTCHALIN, Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, in charge of European Affairs, representing the French Presidency of the Committee of Ministers Doc.
14916 Questions 13.30 p.m. End of the sitting 24 F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int Monday 24 June 2019 – 19th sitting SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers speaking time is limited to 3 minutes.
Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WD 671 WD 672 WD 673 WD 674 WRITTEN DECLARATIONS TABLED IN APRIL 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) Concerns about reports of crackdown on members of the LGBTI community in Azerbaijan Doc.

14870 The Armenian authorities must take action to protect LGBTI persons from violence and discrimination Doc.
14872 Ukraine should stop discrimination of out-of-country Ukrainians voting rights Sanctions must be maintained and “Magnitsky laws” applied in response to human rights violations in the Russian Federation occupied Crimea Doc.

14874 Doc.

14875 Doc.

14876 WD 675 “Magnitsky laws” sanctions must be imposed in response to political prosecution in Kazakhstan WD 676 Right to know and access to information in Italy Doc.
14877 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Monday 24 June 2019 – 20th sitting Time 4 p.m. 1.

Debate Documents Speakers/ Questions Strengthening the decision-making process of the Parliamentary Assembly concerning credentials and voting Rapporteur of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs, Ms Petra De SUTTER (Belgium, SOC) Doc.
14900 Speakers 74 Vote on a draft resolution and 220 amendments to be taken in the order that they appear in the compendium Midnight End of the sitting SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: limited to 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Tuesday 25 June 2019 – 22nd sitting Time 3.30 p.m. Election of a Vice-President of the Assembly in respect of the Russian Federation (3.30 p.m. – end of the sitting) 1.
Joint debate Documents Speakers/ Questions The Istanbul Convention on violence against women: achievements and challenges Rapporteur of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination: Ms Zita GURMAI (Hungary, SOC) Doc.

14908 Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality Rapporteur of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination: Ms Elvira KOVÁCS (Serbia, EPP/CD) Doc.
14907 Speakers Vote on a draft resolution and 3 amendments to be taken in the following order: 1, 2 and 3 Vote on a draft resolution Vote on a draft recommendation 66 Doc.

14908 Doc.

14907 Doc.

14907 8 p.m. End of the sitting F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: speaking time is limited to 3 minutes.
Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATION TABLED IN JUNE 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.

14918 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Wednesday 26 June 2019 – 23rd sitting Time 10 a.m. 1.

Elections Documents Speakers/ Questions – Secretary General of the Council of Europe – Judges to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Estonia and Germany Doc.

14915 Doc.

14883 Doc.

14884 Doc.


14911 Add.

2 2.

Debate Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach Rapporteur of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development: Ms Reina de BRUIJN-WEZEMAN (Netherlands, ALDE) Rapporteur of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination (for opinion): Ms Sahiba GAFAROVA (Azerbaijan, EC) Statement by: Ms Dunja MIJATOVIĆ Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Speakers Doc.

14895 Doc.
14895 Doc.

14910 Vote on a draft resolution and one amendment Vote on a draft recommendation Doc.

14895 Doc.

14895 12 noon 3.
Address Mr Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA, President of Portugal Questions 1 p.m. End of the sitting 24 17 F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATION TABLED IN JUNE 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.

14918 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Wednesday 26 June 2019 – 24th sitting Time 3.30 p.m. 1.

Elections (continued) Documents Speakers/ Questions – Secretary General of the Council of Europe Doc.
14915 – Judges to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Estonia and Germany – Vice-President of the Assembly in respect of the Russian Federation (2nd round) Doc.

14883 Doc.

14884 Doc.

14911 Add.

2 2.


Debate Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of the Russian Federation1 Rapporteur of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee): Sir Roger GALE (United Kingdom, EC) Doc.
14922 Rapporteur of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs (for opinion): Mr Piero FASSINO (Italy, SOC) Speakers 33 Vote on a draft resolution and 19 amendments to be taken in the following order: 6, 1, 2, 8, 7, 12, 5, 14, 18, 19, 13, 11, 17, 10, 15, 16, 3, 9 and 4 6.10 p.m.* 3.
Debate Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges Rapporteur of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights: Mr Pieter OMTZIGT (Netherlands, EPP/CD) Doc.

14906 1 According to Rule 8.3 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int Wednesday 26 June 2019 – 24th sitting Speakers 27 Vote on a draft resolution and 16 amendments to be taken in the following order: 15, 1, 16, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 8.30 p.m. End of the sitting * Provisional time as provided by the Table Office SPEAKING TIMES APPLIES IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: speaking time is limited to 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATIONS TABLED IN JUNE 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.

14918 WD 678 NGO members working on search and rescue operations at sea accused of helping refugees Doc.

14923 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Thursday 27 June 2019 – 25th sitting Time 10 a.m. 1.

Changes in the membership of committees 2.

Election (2nd round) Documents Commissions (2019) 06 Add.
3 Speakers/ Questions Judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Germany Doc.

14884 Doc.

14911 Add.

2 3.

Joint debate Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Rapporteur of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development: Baroness Doreen MASSEY (United Kingdom, SOC) Doc.
14894 Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Rapporteur of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons: Ms Rósa Björk BRYNJÓLFSDÓTTIR (Iceland, UEL) Rapporteur of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development (for opinion): Ms Sevinj FATALIYEVA (Azerbaijan, EC) Speakers Vote on a draft resolution Vote on a draft recommendation Vote on a draft resolution and 5 amendments to be taken in the following order: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Doc.

14905 Doc.
14905 Doc.

14919 Doc.

14894 Doc.

14894 Doc.

14905 41 Vote on a draft recommendation and one amendment: 6 Doc.
14905 1 p.m. End of the sitting F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int Thursday 27 June 2019 – 25th Sitting SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: speaking time is limited to 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATIONS TABLED IN APRIL 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.

14918 WD 678 NGO members working on search and rescue operations at sea accused of helping refugees Doc.

14923 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Thursday 27 June 2019 – 26th sitting Time 3.30 p.m. 1.

Changes in the membership of committees Documents Commissions (2019) 06 Add.

4 Speakers/ Questions 2.


Election (2nd round) (continued) Judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Germany Doc.

14884 Doc.

14911 Add.

2 3.


Joint debate (continued) Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Speakers Vote on a draft resolution Vote on a draft recommendation Vote on a draft resolution and 5 amendments to be taken in the following order: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Doc.

14894 Doc.

14894 Doc.

14905 Vote on a draft recommendation and one amendment: 6 Doc.

14905 4.30 p.m.* 4.
14905 4.30 p.m.* 4.

Debate Post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria Co-Rapporteurs of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee): Mr Frank SCHWABE (Germany, SOC) Mr Zsolt NÉMETH (Hungary, EPP/CD) Speakers Vote on a draft resolution and one amendment: 1 Doc.

14904 F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int 41 12 Thursday 27 June 2019 – 26th Sitting 5.30 p.m.* 5.
Debate Shedding light on the murder of Boris Nemtsov Rapporteur of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights: Mr Emanuelis ZINGERIS (Lithuania, EPP/CD) Doc.
14902 Speakers 13 Vote on a draft resolution and 4 amendments to be taken in the following order: 1, 3, 4 and 2 8 p.m End of the sitting * Provisional time as provided by the Table Office SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: limited to 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATIONS TABLED IN APRIL 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.

14918 WD 678 NGO members working on search and rescue operations at sea accused of helping refugees Doc.

14923 WD 679 The rights of the politically oppressed must be restored in the Republic of Doc.

14926 Moldova WD 680 Solidarity with Sea-Watch WD 681 Protecting human rights on the Mediterranean Sea Doc.

14927 Doc.
14927 Doc.

14928 2 2019 Ordinary Session – Third Part (24-28 June 2019) ORGANISATION OF DEBATES Friday 28 June 2019 – 27th sitting Time 10 a.m. 1.

Debate Documents Speakers/ Questions Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution?

Rapporteur of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy: Ms Theodora BAKOYANNIS (Greece, EPP/CD) Doc.

14889 Speakers Vote on a draft resolution and 2 amendments to be taken in the following order: 1 and 2 11.10 a.m.* 2.
Debate Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States Rapporteur of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons: Ms Tineke STRIK (Netherlands, SOC) Doc.

14909 Speakers Vote on a draft resolution Vote on a draft recommendation 11.45 p.m.* 3.

Free debate Speakers 12.15 p.m.* 4.

Progress report of the Bureau and the Standing Committee (continued) Doc.
14911 Add.3 1 p.m. Closure of the part-session * Provisional time as provided by the Table Office 22 7 12 F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int Friday 28 June 2019 – 27th Sitting SPEAKING TIMES APPLIED IN THE DEBATES – – – – – Registered speakers: limited to 3 minutes; Rapporteurs: no more than 13 minutes, to divide as they wish between presenting the report, replying to the speeches on behalf of political groups (no more than 4 minutes) and replying at the end of the debate; Rapporteurs for opinion and rapporteurs of ad hoc committees of the Bureau: the same time as speakers registered for the debate concerned; Chairpersons of committees submitting a report: no more than 3 minutes to reply; Statements relating to an amendment or a procedural motion: no more than 30 seconds.
WRITTEN DECLARATIONS TABLED IN JUNE 2019 AND AVAILABLE FOR SIGNATURE (Room 1083) WD 677 Investigating and preventing corruption at the Council of Europe Doc.
14918 WD 678 NGO members working on search and rescue operations at sea accused of helping refugees WD 679 The rights of the politically oppressed must be restored in the Republic of Moldova WD 680 Solidarity with Sea-Watch WD 681 Protecting human rights on the Mediterranean Sea WD 682 Co-operation with Kazakhstan must be reconsidered in response to its rigged presidential election and mass arrests Doc.

14923 Doc.

14926 Doc.

14927 Doc.

14928 Doc.


14933 AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev3 25 June 2019 Apoj05rev3_19 Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy Revised draft agenda 3 of the meeting to be held in Strasbourg, Palais de l’Europe, room 9 Thursday 27 June 2019, 14:00 – 15:00 9.

Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution?
Rapporteur: Ms Theodora Bakoyannis, Greece, EPP/CD [Doc.14889, Amendments] Consideration of amendments to the draft resolution Deadline for amendments: Thursday 27 June, 10:30 Debate in the Assembly: Friday 28 June, 10:00 10.

Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism Rapporteur: Ms Marietta Karamanli, France, SOC [AS/Pol (2019) 14rev] Consideration of a draft report and vote on a preliminary draft resolution and recommendation 11.
Follow-up to Resolution 2277 (2019) and Recommendation 2153 (2019) on the Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future Former Rapporteur: Mr Tiny Kox, Netherlands, UEL Statement by the Rapporteur 12.

Work programme (cont’d) [AS/Pol (2019) WP 04, AS/Pol/Inf (2019) 01rev2]  Appointment of Rapporteurs (for report) Transparency and regulation of donations to political parties and electoral campaigns from foreign donors [Doc.
14818]  World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019) [Concept note] OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019) [Preliminary draft programme] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committees of the Bureau 13.
Follow up to Partner for democracy status 2009-2019: stock-taking and the way forward [Draft motion for a resolution] Consideration of a draft motion for a resolution This draft agenda, addressed to members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to Secretaries of delegations and political groups Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | Fax: +33 3 88 41 29 44 AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev3 14.

Institutional representation of the Committee Statement by Mr Titus Corlăţean (Romania, SOC) on his participation in the plenary meetings of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Strasbourg 15.

Open discussion on current issues 16.

Authorisations by the Committee 17.


Other business [Letter to the President of the Assembly] Nomination for the 2019 North-South Prize 18.

Next meetings    Strasbourg, during the Assembly’s 4th part-session, 30 September-4 October 2019 Berlin, 14 November 2019 Paris, 9 December 2019 (OECD Headquarters) 2 AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev2 21 June 2019 Apoj05rev2_19 Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy Revised draft agenda 2 of the meetings to be held in Strasbourg, Palais de l’Europe, room 9, on: .
Monday 24 June 2019, 14:30 – 15:30 .

Tuesday 25 June 2019, 08:30 – 10:00 .

Thursday 27 June 2019, 14:00 – 15:00 Monday 24 June 2019, 14:30 – 15:30, room 9 - Open to the public1 1.

Agenda [AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev2] Adoption of the agenda 2.
Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism Rapporteur: Ms Marietta Karamanli, France, SOC [AS/Pol (2019) 14, AS/Pol/Inf (2019) 08] Exchange of views with Mr Francis Eustache, Director of the Unit "Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory", Training and Research Centre in Health (PFRS) in the presence of Ms Nawel Rafik-Elmrini, Deputy to the Mayor of Strasbourg 3.
OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019) [Preliminary draft programme, Letter to the President of the Assembly, AS/Pol (2019) 04]] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly Tuesday 25 June 2019, 08:30 – 10:00, room 9 4.
Minutes [AS/Pol (2019) PV 04] Approval of the minutes of the meeting held Paris on 20 May 2019 1 Subject to the decision of the Committee.

This draft agenda, addressed to members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to Secretaries of delegations and political groups Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | Fax: +33 3 88 41 29 44 AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev2 5.

Strengthening parliamentary dialogue with Algeria Rapporteur: Mr Jacques Maire, France, NR [AS/Pol (2019) 13] .

Exchange of views with the participation of: .

Mr Rachid Achour, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, of International Co-operation and the Algerian community abroad, head of the delegation .

Mr Fouad Sebouta, Member of the Algerian Council of the Nation .
Mr Rabah Benyoub, Member of the Algerian Council of the Nation .

Mr Rahim Hichem, Member of the National People’s Assembly .

M. Chebill Lazhar, Member of the National People’s Assembly .

Consideration of an introductory memorandum and an outline for report 6.
Work programme [AS/Pol (2019) WP 04, AS/Pol/Inf (2019) 01rev2]  The situation in Kosovo [Draft motion for a resolution, Resolution 2094 (2016)] Consideration of a motion for a resolution  Appointment of Rapporteurs (for report) Transparency and regulation of donations to political parties and electoral campaigns from foreign donors [Doc.

14818] Ten years after the Lisbon Treaty: strengthening Council of Europe and European Union co- operation [Doc.
14866] Need for democratic governance of artificial intelligence [Doc.

14868] Countering ill democracies in Europe [AS/Pol (2019) 15]  World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019) [Concept note] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the Forum 7.
Partner for democracy status 2009-2019: stock-taking and the way forward [Resolution 1680 (2009), Extract from the Rules of Procedure, Resolution 1984 (2014), Resolution 2105 (2016), Resolution 2183 (2017), Resolution 2282 (2019)] Exchange of views with the participation of partner for democracy delegations and current and former Rapporteurs 8.
Open discussion on current issues  Throughout this text, all reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

2 AS/Pol (2019) OJ 05rev2 Thursday 27 June 2019, 14:00 – 15:00, salle 9 9.

Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution?
Rapporteur: Ms Theodora Bakoyannis, Greece, EPP/CD [Doc.14889, Amendments] Consideration of amendments to the draft resolution Deadline for amendments: Thursday 27 June, 10:30 Debate in the Assembly: Friday 28 June, 10:00 10.

Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism Rapporteur: Ms Marietta Karamanli, France, SOC [AS/Pol (2019) 14, AS/Pol/Inf (2019) 08] Consideration of a draft report and vote on a preliminary draft resolution and recommendation 11.
Follow-up to Resolution 2277 (2019) and Recommendation 2153 (2019) on the Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future Former Rapporteur: Mr Tiny Kox, Netherlands, UEL Statement by the Rapporteur 12.

Institutional representation of the Committee Statement by Mr Titus Corlăţean (Romania, SOC) on his participation in the plenary meetings of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Strasbourg 13.

Authorisations by the Committee 14.


Other business [Letter to the President of the Assembly] Nomination for the 2019 North-South Prize 15.
Next meetings    Strasbourg, during the Assembly’s 4th part-session, 30 September-4 October 2019 Berlin, 14 November 2019 Paris, 9 December 2019 (OECD Headquarters) 3 AS/Jur (2019) OJ 05 5 June 2019 ajoj05 2019 Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights Draft Agenda for the meetings to be held in Strasbourg (Palais de l’Europe) on: - Monday 24 June 2019 at 2.00-3.00pm (Room 10) - Tuesday 25 June 2019 at 8.30-10am (Room 10) - [Tuesday 25 June 2019 at 2.00-2.30pm (Room 10)1] - Wednesday 26 June 2019 at 2.00-3.30pm (Room 10) - Thursday 27 June 2019 at 8.30-10am (Room 10) Monday 24 June 2019, 2.00 – 3.00 pm (Room 10) 1.
Agenda [AS/Jur (2019) OJ 05] Adoption of the agenda 2.

Minutes [AS/Jur (2019) PV 04] Approval of the minutes of the meeting held during the meeting on 28-29 May 2019 in Paris.

3.
Improving the protection of whistleblowers all over Europe Rapporteur: Mr Sylvain Waserman France, ALDE [AS/Jur (2019) …] Consideration of a draft report and adoption of a draft resolution and a draft recommendation 1 Sub-committee on Human Rights This draft agenda, addressed to members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to Secretaries of delegations and political groups Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | AS/Jur (2019) OJ 05 4.

Situation of Human Rights defenders [Information note] Discussion of an information note 5.

Human rights and climate change [AS/Jur/Inf (2019) 08 & motion for resolution] Consideration and adoption of a committee declaration and, to be tabled on behalf of the committee, a motion for a resolution 6.
World Forum for Democracy [Concept Paper; Programme] Proposal of members to the ad hoc committee of the Bureau attending the World Forum on Democracy on 6-8 November 2019 in Strasbourg 7.

Replies from the Committee of Ministers to recommendations emanating from the Committee [Doc…] Tuesday 25 June 2019, 8.30 – 10am (Room 10) ***** 8.

9.
9.

Extradition requests and the abuse of process Rapporteur: Mr Aleksander Pociej, Poland, EPP/CD [AS/Jur (2019) …] Consideration of a draft report and adoption of a draft resolution Ombudsman Institutions in Europe – the need for a set of common standards Rapporteur: Lord Richard Balfe, United Kingdom, EC [AS/Jur (2019) …] Consideration of a draft report and adoption of a draft resolution and a draft recommendation Hearing: 10.
The continuing need to restore human rights and the rule of law in the North Caucasus region Rapporteur: Mr Frank Schwabe, Germany, SOC [AS/Jur (2019) …] Hearing with the participation of: ZZ ZZ 2 AS/Jur (2019) OJ 05 11.

Participation of members in conferences, meetings, seminars etc Reports by the following representatives:  The Council for Democratic Elections (of the Venice Commission), 20 June 2019: Lord Richard Balfe, United Kingdom, EC (t.b.c.)
 119th plenary session of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), 21-22 June 2019: Mr Sergiy Vlasenko, Ukraine, EPP/CD (t.b.c.)

 83rd plenary meeting of GRECO, 17-21 June 2019: Mr Georgii Logvynskyi, Ukraine, EPP/CD (t.b.c.)

12.

Hearings during the next meeting ***** Tuesday 25 June 2019, 2.00 – 2.30pm (Sub-committee on Human Rights– for information) (Room 10) Wednesday 26 June 2019, 2.00 – 3.30pm ***** 13.
Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law, in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges Rapporteur: Mr Pieter Omtzigt, Netherlands, EPP/CD [Doc.

… + amendments] Consideration of amendments to the draft resolution 14.

The principles and guarantees of advocates Rapporteur: Mr Georgii Logvynskyi, Ukraine, EPP/CD [AS/Jur (2019) …] Consideration of an introductory memorandum Thursday 27 June 2019, 8.30 – 10am (Room 10) ***** 15.
The need to shed light on the background of the murder of Boris Nemtsov Rapporteur: Mr Emanuelis Zingeris, Lithuania, EPP/CD [Doc.

… + amendments] Consideration of amendments to the draft resolution 3 AS/Jur (2019) OJ 05 Hearing: 16.

Human rights and business – what follow-up to Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)3?

Rapporteur: Mr Elshad Hasanov, Azerbaijan, FDG [AS/Jur (2019) 11] Hearing with the participation of: ZZ ZZ 17.
Drug policy and human rights in Europe: a baseline study Rapporteur: Ms Hannah Bardell, United Kingdom, NR [AS/Jur (2019) 25] Request for authorisation of a questionnaire to be sent to national parliaments in the context of the report 18.

Work Programme [AS/Jur / Inf (2019) 02 Rev 2] 19.

Other business 20.
Next meetings Plenary Committee: - Strasbourg, during the Assembly’s 4th part-session of 2019 (30 September - 4 October 2019) - Berlin, 14-15 November 2019 (Bundestag) - Paris, 10 December 2019 (Council of Europe Office) (to be confirmed) ***** SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS DURING THE 3rd PART-SESSION: Sub-committee on Human Rights  Strasbourg, Tuesday 25 June 2019, 2-2.30pm (Room 10) 4 AS/Mig (2019) OJ 05rev2 25 June 2019 amoj05rev2_2019 Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Revised draft agenda 2 of the meeting to be held in Strasbourg on Tuesday, 25 June 2019, from 8.30 to 10 am (Room 8) - - Wednesday, 26 June 2019, from 1 to 3 pm (Room 5) - - Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 8.30 to 10 am (Room 3) Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 2 to 3.30 pm (Room 8) Tuesday, 25 June 2019 from 8.30 to 10 am (Room 8) 1.
Agenda [AS/Mig (2019) OJ 05rev] Adoption of the agenda 2.

Minutes [AS/Mig (2019) PV 04] 3.

4.

5.
Approval of the draft minutes of the meeting held in Zurich on 28-29 May 2019 Statement by the Chair of the Committee [AS/Bur/CB (2019) 06] A legal status for “climate refugees” Rapporteur: Ms Marie-Christine Verdier-Jouclas, France, NR [AS/Mig (2019)14] Approval of a draft report and vote on a preliminary draft resolution Labour migration from Eastern Europe and its impact on socio-demographic processes in these countries Rapporteur: Mr Ionuț-Marian Stroe, Romania, EPP/CD [AS/Mig (2019)15] Approval of a draft report and vote on a preliminary draft resolution This draft agenda, addressed to full members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to secretaries of delegations and political groups Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | asmig@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 AS/Mig (2019) OJ 05rev2 6.
The protection of victims of forced displacement under international law Rapporteur: Mr Fabien Gouttefarde, France, NR [AS/Mig (2019)06] Exchange of views with - Mr Pascal Brice, former Director General of the French Agency for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA), judge at the Cour des comptes (Court of Auditors) of France - Mr Yves Pascouau, Schengen Chair at Nantes university and Executive director of the NGO “European Migration Law” 7.
Humanitarian action for refugees and migrants in countries at the southern Mediterranean Sea Rapporteur: Lord Alexander Dundee, United Kingdom, EC [AS/Mig (2019)13] Consideration of an introductory memorandum Wednesday, 26 June 2019 from 1 to 3 pm (Room 5) 8.
Final Conference of the Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children [AS/Mig/Inf (2019) 08rev - programme]  Statement by the General Rapporteur, Mr Pierre-Alain Fridez (Switzerland, SOC)  Opening addresses by: - Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe - Ms Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Member of the European Parliament, Coordinator on Children’s Rights - Ms Stella Kyriakides (Cyprus, EPP/CD), Member of the PACE Committee on Migration and Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Children, Committee on Social Affairs  Exchange of views with the competent Council of Europe directorates Thursday, 27 June 2019 from 8.30 to 10 am (Room 3) 8.30 to 8.45 – Meeting of the Committee 9.
Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Rapporteur: Ms Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir, Iceland, UEL Rapporteur for opinion: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva, Azerbaijan, EC (Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development) [Doc.

14905 and amendments] [Doc.


14919 AS/Soc Opinion] Consideration of possible amendments tabled to the draft resolution and the draft recommendation [Assembly debate: Thursday, 27 June 2019 morning] [Deadline for tabling amendments: Wednesday, 26 June at 10.30 am] 8.45 to 10 am – Joint hearing with the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination 10.
Concerted action on human trafficking Rapporteur: Mr Vernon Coaker, United Kingdom, SOC Rapporteur for opinion: Ms Isabelle Rauch, France, NR (Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination) [AS/Mig (2018)34] Statements by the rapporteurs and joint hearing with the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination with the participation of: - Mr Davor Derenčinović, Chairperson, Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) of the Council of Europe, Zagreb - Ms Annabel Canzian, Lawyer, Committee Against Modern Slavery (CCEM), Paris 2 AS/Mig (2019) OJ 05rev2 - Ms Odette Herijgers, medical doctor, Advocacy for Refugee Rights in Greece, Eindhoven, Netherlands Thursday, 27 June 2019 from 2 to 3.30 pm (Room 8) 11.
Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States Rapporteur: Ms Tineke Strik, Netherlands, SOC [Doc.

14909 and amendments] Consideration of possible amendments tabled to the draft resolution and the draft recommendation [Assembly debate: Friday, 28 June 2019 morning] [Deadline for tabling amendments: Thursday, 27 June at 10.30 am] 12.
Role of parliaments in implementing the United Nations global compacts for migrants and refugees Rapporteur: Ms Stella Kyriakides, Cyprus, EPP/CD [AS/Mig (2019)16] Consideration of an introductory memorandum 13.
Parliamentary Network on Diaspora Policies, Sub-Committee on Diasporas and Sub-Committee on Integration [AS/Mig/Dia (2019)03] [AS/Mig/Inf/Dia (2019) CB01] [Final conclusions] Statements by Mr Duarte Marques, Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Diasporas and Coordinator of the Network, and Mr Domagoj Hajduković, Vice-Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Integration, on the joint meeting of the Sub-Committee on Diasporas and the Sub-Committee on Integration, and the Annual forum of the Network held in Istanbul (Turkey) on 10 June 2019 14.
Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children [AS/Mig/Inf (2019) 09rev] Statement by Mr Domagoj Hajduković (Croatia, SOC) on the parliamentary visit to Cyprus and the private shelter for unaccompanied minors “Home for Hope”, on 14 June in Nicosia (Cyprus) 15.
Work programme [AS/Mig/WP (2019) 05] Consideration of the replies by the Committee of Ministers - Recommendation 2136 (2018) on “Human rights impact of the “external dimension” of European Union asylum and migration policy: out of sight, out of rights?” (Rapporteur: Ms Tineke Strik, Netherlands, SOC) [Rec.

2136 (2018)] [Doc.

14774] - Recommendation 2137 (2018) on “International obligations of Council of Europe member States: to protect life at sea” (Rapporteur: Ms Petra De Sutter, Belgium, SOC) [Rec.
2137 (2018)] [Doc.

14831] - Recommendation 2141 (2018) on “Family reunification of refugees and migrants in the Council of Europe member States” (Rapporteur: Ms Ulla Sandbæk, Denmark, UEL) [Rec.

2141 (2018)] [Doc.

14852] 16.

Representation of the Committee at various events Appointment .
OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019) [Draft programme] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly 3 AS/Mig (2019) OJ 05rev2 .

World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019) [Concept note] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the Forum 17.
Composition of the Sub-Committees [AS/Mig/List (2019) 04] Possible modifications of the composition of the Sub-Committees 18.

Free debate 19.

Other business - Call for nominations for the 2019 North-South Prize 20.
Next meetings Plenary Committee:  Paris, 6 September 2019  Strasbourg, during the 4th part-session 2019 (30 September-4 October)  Paris, 2 December 2019 (tbc) Sub-Committee on Diasporas  Amman (Jordan), 18 September 2019 (subject to the authorisation of the Bureau and the availability of funds).
4 AS/Cult (2019) OJ 05rev2 21 June 2019 AAC OJ05rev2_19 Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media Revised 2 draft agenda of the meeting to be held in Strasbourg, Palais de l’Europe, on: Monday 24 June 2019 from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) Tuesday 25 June 2019 from 2 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) Thursday 27 June 2019 from 2 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) Please note: Thursday 27 June 2019 from 8.30 am to 10 am (Room 6): Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Education, Youth and Sport Monday 24 June 2019 from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) 1.
Agenda [AS/Cult (2019) OJ 05rev2] Adoption of the agenda 2.

Election of the Bureau of the committee (subject to confirmation)1 [AS/Cult (2019) 02] Election of the Chairperson of the committee 3.

Minutes [AS/Cult (2019) PV 04] Approval of the minutes of the meeting held in Paris on 27-28 May 2019; matters arising from the minutes 1 Subject to the presentation of a candidate by the Group of the European People’s Party (EPP/CD).

This item may be taken at any time.


This draft agenda, addressed to members of the committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to Secretaries of national delegations, of observer and partner for democracy delegations and of political groups Meeting documents will be published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 AS/Cult (2019) OJ 05rev2 4.

5.

Jewish cultural heritage preservation Rapporteur: Mr Raphaël Comte, Switzerland, ALDE [AS/Cult (2019) 12] Adoption of a draft resolution and a draft recommendation and approval of a report Media education in the new media environment Rapporteur: Ms Nino Goguadze, Georgia, EC [AS/Cult/Inf (2019) 17] Consideration of a preliminary draft report 6.
World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019)2 [Draft concept note] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly 7.
OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019)2 [Draft programme] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly Tuesday 25 June 2019 from 2 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) 8.

9.
9.

The role of education in the digital era: from “digital natives” to “digital citizens” Rapporteur: Mr Constantinos Efstathiou, Cyprus, SOC [AS/Cult (2019) 14] Adoption of a draft resolution and a draft recommendation and approval of a report Football governance and ethics: business or values?

Rapporteur: Mr Mogens Jensen, Denmark, SOC [AS/Cult (2019) 15] Consideration of an introductory memorandum 10.
Time to act: Europe’s political response to fighting the manipulation of sports competitions (open to the public) Rapporteur: Mr Roland Rino Büchel, Switzerland, ALDE [AS/Cult (2019) 16] Consideration of an introductory memorandum and exchange of views with the participation of Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and: - Mr Philippe Vlaemminck, Partner of Pharumlegal, Belgian Government representative in gambling cases at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the Court of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (via videolink) - Mr Christian Kalb, CEO of CK Consulting, France 2 This item may be taken at any time.
2 Thursday 27 June 2019 from 2 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 6) AS/Cult (2019) OJ 05rev2 11.

New forms of public debate on the ethical aspects of rapid advances in science and technology Rapporteur: Mr Stefan Schennach, Austria, SOC [AS/Cult (2019) 13] Consideration of an introductory memorandum 12.

Composition of sub-committees3 [AS/Cult (2019) 02] 13.

Replies from the Committee of Ministers3 Reply from the Committee of Ministers (Doc.
14893) to the Recommendation 2144 (2019) “Internet governance and human rights” 14.

Committee work programme3 [AS/Cult (2019) 01] 14.1.

References to the committee and appointment of rapporteurs3 [AS/Cult/Inf (2019) 01]  Strengthening the link between popular sports events and cultural heritage (Doc.14218)  Strengthening the role of young people in the prevention and resolution of conflicts (Doc.

14494) 14.2.

Reports on recent meetings 14.3.

Approval of rapporteurs’ fact-finding visits 14.4.


Appointment of representatives for forthcoming events 14.5.

Draft motions of resolutions and recommendations 14.6.

Sub-Committees 15.

Other business 16.
Other business 16.

Next meetings Meetings of the committee: Strasbourg, 4th part-session (30 September-4 October 2019) Paris, 5-6 December 2019 Meetings of the sub-committees: Bern, Switzerland, 21 June 2019, Sub-Committee on Culture, Diversity and Heritage and Sub- Committee on Media and Information Society London, United Kingdom, 10-11 July 2019, Sub-Committee on Media and Information Society (tbc, subject to authorisation by the Assembly’s Bureau) 3 This item may be taken at any time.
3 AS/Ega (2019) OJ 05 rev 2 25 June 2019 Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination Draft agenda (revised 2) of the meeting to be held in Strasbourg on ‐ Wednesday 26 June 2019, from 3 to 3.30pm, room 3: joint meeting with the No - Hate Parliamentary Alliance Thursday 27 June 2019, from 8.45 to 10am, room 3: joint meeting with the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Wednesday 26 June 2019, from 3 to 3.30pm, room 3: Joint meeting with the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance 21.
Parliamentary conference on “Counterstrategies against hate speech – Where are we at and what is our goal?” to be held in Berlin on 14 October 2019 Communication by Ms Gabriela Heinrich (Germany, SOC) General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance on the forthcoming parliamentary conference.

22.
22.

Discrimination against Roma and Travellers in the field of housing [open to the public] Rapporteur: Mr František Kopřiva (Czech Republic, ALDE) [AS/Ega (2019) 16] Hearing on the situation of Travellers as regards the right to housing, with the participation of: ‐ Ms Marie Pichault, Centre de Médiation des Gens du voyage et des Roms, Belgium; ‐ Mr Martin Collins, Co-Director, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, Ireland; ‐ Mr Adrian Jones, National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups, United Kingdom.
This draft agenda, addressed to full members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to secretaries of delegations and political groups Meeting documents are published on PACE extranet website (restricted area for PACE Members) when they become available: http://assembly.coe.int/extranet F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 2000 | Fax: +33 3 90 21 5652 AS/Ega (2019) OJ 05 rev 2 Thursday 27 June 2019, from 8.45 to 10am, room 3: Joint meeting with the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons 23.
Concerted action against human trafficking [open to the public] Rapporteur for report (AS/Mig): Mr Vernon Coaker (United Kingdom, SOC) Rapporteur for opinion (AS/Ega): Ms Isabelle Rauch (France, NR) [AS/Mig (2019) 34] Hearing on the gender dimension of the fight against human trafficking, with the participation of: - Mr Davor Derenčinović, President, Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), Croatia; - Ms Annabel Canzian, Lawyer, Committee against modern slavery, France; - Ms Odette Herijgers, medical doctor, Advocacy for Refugee Rights in Greece, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
2 AS/Soc (2019) OJ 05rev 21 June 2019 Asocoj05rev_2019 Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development Revised draft agenda for the meetings to be held in Strasbourg on Monday, 24 June 2019, from 2.30 to 3 pm [Room 7] Tuesday, 25 June 2019, from 2 to 3.30 pm [Room 7] Wednesday, 26 June 2019, from 2 to 3.30 [Room 7] Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 2 to 2.30 pm [Room 7] [Sub-Committee on Children, Restaurant Bleu on Tuesday, 25 June 2019, from 8 to 10 am] [Sub-Committee on the Europe Prize, on Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 9 to 10 am, Room 7 – in camera on Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 2.30 to 4 pm, Room 5] Monday, 24 June 2019, from 2.30 to 3 pm [Room 7] 1.
Agenda [AS/Soc (2019) OJ 05rev] Adoption of the revised draft agenda 2.

Minutes [AS/Soc (2019) PV 04] 3.

4.

Approval of the draft minutes of the meeting held in Vienna (Austria) on 13-14 May 2019 Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Rapporteur: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva, Azerbaijan, EC [Doc.
14905, AS/Soc (2019) 32] Consideration and approval of a draft opinion Giving a voice to every child: promoting child participation as a foundation for democratic societies Rapporteur: Baroness Doreen E. Massey, United Kingdom, SOC [AS/Soc (2019) 22] Consideration of an introductory memorandum This draft agenda, addressed to members of the Committee and their alternates, is the convocation to the meeting Copy to Secretaries of National Delegations, Permanent Representations and of observer and partner for democracy delegations Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | Fax: +33 3 88 41 2733 AS/Soc (2019) OJ 05rev 5.

Ending violence against children: A Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Rapporteur: Baroness Doreen E. Massey, United Kingdom, SOC [Concept paper] Participation in the HLPF Side-event on “Stepping Up Protection of Children against Sexual Abuse in the Circle of Trust”, 15 July 2019, New York, USA 6.
Changes in Sub-Committees [List of the Sub-Committees] Tuesday, 25 June 2019, from 2 to 3.30 pm [Room 7] 7.

8.
8.

Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach Rapporteur: Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman, Netherlands, ALDE [Doc 14895, amendments] Consideration of amendments The treatment of people with autism and their families Rapporteur: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva, Azerbaijan, EC [AS/Soc (2019) 34]  Consideration of an introductory memorandum  Approval of a questionnaire to be sent via the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD) 9.
The Council of Europe Development Bank: contributing to building a more inclusive society Rapporteur: Ms Nicole Trisse, France, NR [AS/Soc (2019) 33] Consideration of a draft report and adoption of a draft resolution 10.

Committee’s work programme and priorities [AS/Soc (2019) 01rev4, AS/Soc (2019) 02rev4] 10.1.
Consideration of a draft motion for a resolution/recommendation with a view to adoption by the Committee for tabling [AS/Soc (2019) 21rev]  The best interests of the child and policies to ensure a work-life balance   Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care: medical, legal and ethical challenges ahead Inaction on climate change – a violation of children’s rights 10.2.
Appointment of Committee representatives to external events  Expert seminar “Reinforcing social rights protection in Europe: towards more cohesion and equality”, Strasbourg, France, 19 September 2019  85th Meeting of Permanent Correspondents, Pompidou Group, Strasbourg, France, 20-21 November 2019 10.3.

Appointment of the General Rapporteur on local and regional authorities 10.4.
World Forum for Democracy, Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019 [Concept paper] Information on the Forum and appointment of members of the Bureau’s ad hoc Committee to participate in the Forum 10.5.
OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019) [Draft Programme] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly 2 AS/Soc (2019) OJ 05rev Wednesday, 26 June 2019, from 2 to 3.30 pm [Room 7] 11.
Ending violence against children: A Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Rapporteur: Baroness Doreen E. Massey, United Kingdom, SOC [Doc 14894, amendments] Consideration of amendments 12.
Addressing sexual violence against children: stepping up action and co-operation in Europe Rapporteur: Baroness Doreen E. Massey, United Kingdom, SOC [AS/Soc (2019) 04rev]  Consideration of a revised introductory memorandum  Exchange of views with experts: o Ms Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography o Ms Gioia Scappucci, Executive Secretary of the Lanzarote Committee (Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse) o Ms Tineke Sonck, Co-founder of the Belgian Voices in Sport Foundation Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 2 to 2.30 pm [Room 7] 13.
Combating trafficking in human tissues and cells Rapporteur: Mr Serhii Kiral, Ukraine, EC [AS/Soc (2019) 18] Report back on the fact-finding visit to the National Agency for the Safety of medicines and health products in Saint-Denis/Paris on 4 June 2019 14.

Committee’s work programme and priorities [AS/Soc (2019) 01rev4, AS/Soc (2019) 02rev4] 14.1.
Reports from Committee representatives to external events:  Regional Conference on “Multi-sectorial co-operation to prevent and combat Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”, Strasbourg, France, 16-17 May 2019: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva (Azerbaijan, EC)  6th meeting of the Ad hoc Committee for the Rights of the Child (CAHENF), Strasbourg, France, 21-22 May 2019: Lord Don Touhig (United Kingdom, SOC)  15th Plenary meeting of the Committee on Bioethics (DH-BIO), Strasbourg, France, 6 June 2019: Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman (Netherlands, ALDE) 15.
Sub-Committee on Children Report by the Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on its meeting in Strasbourg on 25 June 2019 16.

Sub-Committee on the Europe Prize  Report by the Chairperson on the Sub-Committee’s meeting in Strasbourg on 27 June 2019  Approval of the decision of the Sub-Committee regarding the Europe Prize trophy competition 17.

Other business  Call for nominations for the 2019 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe  National developments 18.
Date and place of next meetings Plenary committee: - - - 13 September 2019, Paris (Council of Europe Office) Fourth part-session 2019 of the Assembly, 30 September - 4 October 2019, Strasbourg 3 December 2019, Paris (Council of Europe Office) 3 AS/Soc (2019) OJ 05rev Sub-Committee on Children: - - 13 September 2019, Paris (Council of Europe Office) Fourth part-session 2019 of the Assembly, 30 September – 4 October 2019, Strasbourg (date to be confirmed) Sub-Committee on the Europe Prize: - 19 September 2019, Europe Prize presentation ceremony, Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain (subject to Bureau authorisation) 4 AS/Mon (2019) OJ 05 REV 2 25 June 2019 amonoj05 REV 2_2019 Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) Revised draft agenda 2 of the meeting to be held in camera in STRASBOURG, Palais de l’Europe (room 11), on: - Tuesday, 25 June 2019, from 8.30 am to 10.00 am (Room 11) - Tuesday, 25 June 2019 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 11) - Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at the end of the sitting (Room 11) - Wednesday, 26 June 2019 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm (Room 9) - Thursday, 27 June 2019, from 8.30 am to 10.00 am (Room 11) Tuesday, 25 June 2019 from 8.30 am to 10.00 am (room 11) 1.
2.

Draft agenda [AS/Mon (2019) OJ 05 REV] Adoption of the revised draft agenda Draft minutes [AS/Mon (2019) PV 03 Addendum] [AS/Mon (2019) PV 04] Approval of an addendum to the minutes of the meeting held in Strasbourg on 9 April 2019 on the hearing on political prisoners in Azerbaijan Approval of the draft minutes of the meeting held in London on 16 and 17 May 2019 This draft agenda, addressed to members of the Committee, is the convocation to the meeting.
It also constitutes the invitations foreseen in Resolution 1115 (1997), paragraph 10.1 Copy to Secretaries of national delegations and of political groups Meeting documents are published on the Parliamentary Assembly extranet website (restricted area for national delegations): http://assembly.coe.int/extranet.
1 Resolution 1115, paragraph 10: "When a monitoring procedure is initiated, two members of the parliamentary delegation of the member state concerned (to represent the governing majority and the opposition) shall be invited to take part, without the right to vote, in the relevant debates of the committee unless one or both are already represented on the committee.
By analogy with Rule 6, paragraph 8, no member of the parliamentary delegation of the member state concerned shall participate in a vote on any question concerning this state."

F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | asmon@coe.int | Tel: + 33 3 88 41 29 05 AS/Mon (2019) OJ 05 REV 2 3.

Election of the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Committee [AS/Mon/List (2019) 04] Election of the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Committee to replace Ms Marianne Mikko, Estonia, SOC 4.

5.
North Macedonia Co-rapporteurs: Ms Lise Christoffersen, Norway, SOC and Mr Valeriu Ghiletchi, Republic of Moldova, EPP/CD [AS/Mon (2019) 15] [Final programme of the visit] [Press release] Oral report by the co-rapporteurs on their fact-finding visit to Skopje (28-31 May 2019) Consideration of a preliminary draft report on post-monitoring dialogue with North Macedonia Republic of Moldova Co-rapporteurs: Mr Egidijus Vareikis, Lithuania, EPP/CD and Ms Maryvonne Blondin, France, SOC [Press release from the co-rapporteurs] [Press release from the SG] [Opinion of the Venice Commission] Statement by the co-rapporteurs and exchange of views on recent developments 6.
Periodic review reports [AS/Mon (2019) 13] [Letter to the Bureau] Statement by the Chairman of the Committee Consideration of a note on the preparation of the reports on Honouring of membership obligations to the Council of Europe Tuesday, 25 June 2019 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm (room 11) 7.

Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the credentials of the still unratified credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation Appointment of a rapporteur Exchange of views 8.
Armenia Co-rapporteurs: Ms Yuliya Lovochkina, Ukraine, SOC and Mr Andrej Šircelj, Slovenia, EPP/CD [AS/Mon (2019) 14] [Press release] Consideration of an information note by the co-rapporteurs on their fact-finding visit to Yerevan (12-14 March 2019) Exchange of views 2 AS/Mon (2019) OJ 05 REV 2 9.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Co-rapporteurs: Mr Tiny Kox, Netherlands, EC and Mr Serhiy Sobolev, Ukraine, EPP/CD Statement by the co-rapporteurs and exchange of views 10.
Albania Co-rapporteurs: Mr Andrej Hunko, Germany, UEL and Mr Joseph O’Reilly, Ireland, EPP/CD Statement by the co-rapporteurs and exchange of views on recent developments Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at the end of the sitting (room 11) 11.
Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation Rapporteur: [AS/Mon (2019) 16] Consideration of a draft report and adoption of a preliminary draft resolution Wednesday, 26 June 2019 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm (room 9) 12.

Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation [Doc.

***] [Amendments to Doc.


*** Consideration of possible amendments tabled to the draft resolution [Assembly debate: Wednesday, 26 June 2019 afternoon] [Deadline for tabling amendments: Wednesday 26 June at 11.00 am] Thursday, 27 June 2019 from 8.30 am to 10.00 am (room 11) 13.

Bulgaria Co-rapporteurs: Mr Frank Schwabe, Germany, SOC and Mr Zsolt Németh, Hungary, EPP/CD [Doc.

14904] [Amendments to Doc.


14904] Consideration of possible amendments tabled to the draft resolution on post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria [Assembly debate: Thursday, 27 June 2019 afternoon] [Deadline for tabling amendments: Wednesday 26 June at 4.00 pm] 14.
Turkey Co-rapporteurs: Mr Nigel Evans, United Kingdom, EC and… [Press release – election of the mayor of Istanbul] [Press Release—President of the Parliamentary Assembly] Appointment of a co-rapporteur to replace Ms Marianne Mikko, Estonia, SOC Exchange of views on the repeat election of the Mayor of Istanbul (23 June 2019) 3 AS/Mon (2019) OJ 05 REV 2 15.

World Forum for Democracy on Is Democracy in danger in the information age?
(Strasbourg, 6-8 November 2019) [Concept Note] Designation of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the Forum 16.

OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019) [Draft programme] Appointment of members to the ad hoc Committee of the Bureau to participate in the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Paris, 10 October 2019), subject to a decision by the Bureau of the Assembly 17.

Authorisation of fact-finding visits 18.


Other business State of procedures [AS/Mon/Inf (2019) 11] Work programme [AS/Mon/Inf (2019) 12] 19.
Next meetings Paris, 10 September 2019 (tbc) Strasbourg, 30 September-4 October 2019 (during the Assembly part-session) Paris, 13 November 2019 (tbc) Paris, 11 December 2019 (tbc) 4 2019 ORDINARY SESSION Third part 24-28 June 2019 TEXTS ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY Provisional versions F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int Table of contents Opinion Opinion 297 (2019) Recommendations Budget and priorities of the Council of Europe for the biennium 2020- 2021 (Doc.
14903) Recommendation 2157 (2019) Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality (Doc.

14907) Recommendation 2158 (2019) Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach (Doc.

14895) Recommendation 2159 (2019) Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (Doc.

14894) Recommendation 2160 (2019) Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children (Doc.
14905) Recommendation 2161 (2019) Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States (Doc.
14909) Resolutions Resolution 2287 (2019) Resolution 2288 (2019) Resolution 2289 (2019) Resolution 2290 (2019) Resolution 2291 (2019) Resolution 2292 (2019) Resolution 2293 (2019) Resolution 2294 (2019) Resolution 2295 (2019) Resolution 2296 (2019) Resolution 2297 (2019) Resolution 2298 (2019) Resolution 2299 (2019) Strengthening the decision-making process of the Parliamentary Assembly concerning credentials and voting (Doc.

14900) Expenditure of the Parliamentary Assembly for the biennium 2020-2021 (Doc.
14901) The Istanbul Convention on violence against women: achievements and challenges (Doc.

14908) Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality (Doc.

14907) Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach (Doc.

14895) Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of the Russian Federation (Doc.
14922) Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges (Doc.

14906) Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (Doc.

14894) Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children (Doc.

14905) Post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria (Doc.

14904) Shedding light on the murder of Boris Nemtsov (Doc.

14902) Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution (Doc.
14889) Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States (Doc.

14909) Opinion 297 Opinion 297 (2019)1 Provisional version Budget and priorities of the Council of Europe for the biennium 2020-2021 Parliamentary Assembly 1.

At the time of its 70th anniversary, the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly have been taken hostage by a member State that refuses to pay its annual contribution since 1 July 2017.
The preparation of the Assembly’s opinion on the budget and priorities for the biennium 2020-2021 is now taking place in an extraordinary context.

In face of the current financial crisis, it is regrettable that the Parliamentary Assembly has no budgetary powers.

The Assembly therefore reiterates its request for a better institutional balance between the Council of Europe bodies in this field.
The Assembly recalls that the Council of Europe is an international organisation of a political nature, without an economic or gainful aim, set up by sovereign States.

The Council of Europe relies for its funding on contributions by its member States.
The Assembly believes that the budgetary pressure being exerted on the Council of Europe by a 2. member State is posing a serious risk that could destabilise the Organisation and deprive it of the resources needed to provide all its member and partner States with the responses enabling them to take up the current challenges and combat the current negative trends.

3.
3.

The Assembly is aware that the internal political context is unfavourable, on account of the attitude of the Russian Federation, which, in using the budget as leverage to achieve its ends, is plunging the Council of Europe into the most serious budgetary crisis in its history and will thereby force the Organisation to take decisions that are potentially irreversible and could weaken it at the very time when it is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

4.
4.

The Assembly believes that the strategic choices of recent years, which have given precedence to assistance and co-operation programmes for certain countries and to certain thematic areas of action, funded almost solely by extra-budgetary resources, have ended up weakening the system of intergovernmental co- operation, which is financed mostly by the ordinary budget.

5.
5.

The Assembly nevertheless still believes that it is this unique system of co-operation between the member States based on the development of common standards, with conventions as the main source of the its Council of Europe acquis, which Recommendation 2114 (2017) on defending the acquis of the Council of Europe and Resolution 2277 (2019) “Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future”.

the Organisation’s raison d’être, as pointed out forms in 6.
For 70 years, the convention-based system of the Council of Europe has made a major contribution to improving the functioning of democratic institutions in Europe, developing the rule of law throughout Europe and protecting and promoting the rights of all European citizens.
The Council of Europe remains one of the very few multilateral forums able to quickly draft international instruments on a broad range of issues, many of which are among the most innovative in the world, to meet challenges, respond to the concerns of European citizens and protect their fundamental rights.

Assembly debate on 25 June 2019 (21st Sitting) (see Doc.

14903, report of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, 1.

Immunities and Institutional Affairs, rapporteur: Mr Mart van de Ven).
Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (21st Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Opinion 297 (2019) 7.

The Assembly provides vital input during the drafting process of these international instruments and in ensuring their efficient implementation.

In many cases, it has identified the areas where a need for new standards exist.
It is therefore important for the Assembly to reinforce this capacity to react rapidly and to support all stakeholders within the member States in implementing them in an efficient way.

8.

In this respect, the Assembly fully supports the initiatives taken by the Council of Europe on issues related to artificial intelligence, which occupies an increasingly important place in the functioning of our societies.
It calls on the Committee of Ministers to further develop co-operation in this area by drawing up a new legal instrument establishing a framework for the development, design and application of artificial intelligence in accordance with the standards of the Council of Europe.

The Assembly welcomes the fact that gender equality remains one of the top priorities of the 9.

Organisation and that the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No.
210) has become a global reference text.

It supports the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023, which sets out priorities for action for the years ahead, including achieving gender mainstreaming in all policies and activities of the Organisation, 10.
The Assembly, referring to its Resolution 2271 (2019) and Recommendation 2150 (2019) on strengthening co-operation with the United Nations in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, welcomes the decision of the Committee of Ministers to continue focusing attention during the next biennium on this global Agenda, and calls for the enhancement of the Council of Europe’s contribution, including by providing support to its member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since July 2017, the Council of Europe has been confronted with an unprecedented budgetary and 11. financial situation linked to the voluntary lack of payment by one of its member States.

In this context, the Assembly calls on the Secretary General and the Committee of Ministers to look for alternatives to the contingency plan of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for a budget reduction of €32.4 million.
In this regard, it recalls the idea put forward by its General Rapporteur on the Budget to study the feasibility of assigning the debt to a third party.

12.

The Assembly notes that this possibility exists at international level and has been used by various countries in the past.
The assignment of international receivables and the international assignment of receivables are an established practice in international trade, governed by the United Nations Convention on the Assignment of Receivables in International Trade of 12 December 2001.

13.

The Assembly regrets that this alternative has not been studied and that a contingency plan has been drawn up to absorb the size of the debt left voluntarily by a member State (nearly 90 million euros at the end of 2019).
Implementation of the plan will mean that a significant number of activities and whole areas of the work of the Council of Europe could disappear, some of them irretrievably, for member States.

The human cost will also be very substantial, with a departure scheme for 250 people, or almost 10% of the Council of Europe’s staff, which the member States will have to pay for.

14.
14.

The Assembly notes that the Programme and Budget 2020-2021, which is being considered in the face of the ongoing uncertainty around the payment of the Russian Federation’s obligatory contributions, nonetheless shows the willingness to promote an Organisation that is increasingly agile and confident in its know-how and expertise through reforms aimed at improving its processes and working procedures.

15.
15.

In this context, the Assembly has taken note of the intention of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to rationalise the programme of activities and to focus the activities on nine operational programmes with a coherent set of sub-programmes.

This should lead to greater focus on the political priorities, improve synergies and diminish unnecessary duplication and will allow greater managerial flexibility to implement the administrative reform measures 16.
The Assembly also notes that the Council of Europe may have to part with staff members who have extensive knowledge and experience of the Council’s fields of action and will be hard to replace.

The human resources policy pursued in recent years (with large-scale use of fixed-term contracts) undermines the transmission of the know-how and acquis of the Council of Europe since it excludes the preparation of a fresh generation of staff members.

2 Opinion 297 (2019) 17.


The Assembly therefore expects the Council of Europe to introduce a staff policy that is sufficiently attractive to retain good candidates and also offer them career development prospects, despite the current budgetary uncertainties.
In this context, the new People Strategy 2019-2023, which has been the subject of a broad consultation process including staff at all levels, should make it possible to meet the needs of the Council of Europe while responding to the legitimate aspirations of its staff.
The Assembly will agree to contribute its fair share to the collective efforts called for, provided that 18. several conditions are met: 18.1. all alternatives to cutting the Organisation’s budget are studied seriously; 18.2. all entities and sectors of the Council of Europe contribute to the overall effort; 18.3. the efforts asked of the Assembly do not jeopardise its ability to operate.

19.

The Assembly calls on member States to make a larger contribution to the funding of the Council of Europe.
This echoes repeated calls made by the Assembly in several budgetary opinions and in Recommendation 1812 (2007) on the political dimension of the Council of Europe budget.

In the latter, it called on the Committee of Ministers to review the method of calculating the scales of contributions to give greater weight to gross domestic product and to set minimum scales for member States’ contributions to cover at least the administrative cost of a judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

20.
20.

The Assembly, referring to its Opinion 288 (2015) on the budget and priorities of the Council of Europe for the 2016-2017 biennium, stresses not only the importance of voluntary contributions but also the danger they may create concerning the financial balance of the Council of Europe.

That is why the Assembly looks favourably on the idea of creating a fund to receive voluntary contributions for the ordinary budget, which represents the life blood of the Organisation.
It hopes that such a fund will be set up rapidly.

21.

The Assembly believes that a minimum contribution to the ordinary budget must be paid by each member State to cover the annual budgetary cost of a judge, an administrative officer and an assistant working full time, as well as the annual administrative expenses pertaining to their work and presence in Strasbourg.

22.
22.

In Recommendation 2124 (2018) “Modification of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure: the impact of the budgetary crisis on the list of working languages of the Assembly”, the Assembly suggested that the Committee of Ministers take several decisions of a budgetary and financial nature, in particular regarding the opening of an obligatory reserve account funded by all or a substantial share of the unspent balance recorded at the close of each financial year or biennium.
This is a call which the Assembly has made repeatedly in opinions on the Council of Europe programme and budget (Opinions 268 (2008), 279 (2009) and 281 (2011) in particular).

23.

With reference to Opinion 294 (2017), the Assembly calls on the Committee of Ministers to return to real growth in the Council of Europe’s budget in order to enhance the Organisation’s operational capacity.
In this connection, it greatly regrets that the request to return to zero real growth which the Secretary General made for the 2018-2019 biennium was turned down because of the refusal of two of the 47 States represented in the Committee of Ministers.

As the Financial Regulations provide for the budget to be adopted by a two-thirds majority, the Assembly is surprised that the member States which support the return to zero real growth have not insisted further.

24.
24.

The Assembly will proceed during its June 2019 part-session to the election of a new Secretary General of the Council of Europe to take up office on 1 October 2019 for a five-year term.

The Assembly therefore calls on the Committee of Ministers to make a firm commitment to ensure real budget growth for the Council of Europe for five years or at least zero real growth to take account of inflation.
It considers that such a decision would be a clear sign of support from the member States to the future Secretary General, giving the Organisation a more stable budgetary framework for the five years of his or her mandate.

Finally, the Assembly welcomes the decision adopted by the Committee of Ministers at its 129th 25.
Session (Helsinki, 17 May 2019) on “A shared responsibility for democratic security in Europe – Ensuring respect for rights and obligations, principles, standards and values”, in which it recalls that “one of the fundamental obligations of member States is to pay their obligatory contributions to the Ordinary Budget, as provided by Article 38 of the Statute”.
Referring to its Recommendation 2153 (2019), the Assembly invites the Committee of Ministers to ensure that all member States comply with their statutory obligations and asks it to implement Articles 8 and 9 of the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No.

1) without further delay if the Russian Federation still refuses to pay a part of or all its unpaid contributions.
3 Recommendations 2157 to 2161 Recommendation 2157 (2019)1 Provisional version Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality Parliamentary Assembly 1.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 and draws the attention of the Committee of Ministers to its Resolution (2019) “Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality”.
The Council of Europe, including its Parliamentary Assembly, has for decades been a driving force in 2. countering discrimination against women and has promoted substantial progress in its member States.

However, gender equality remains far from achieved in practice.

In addition, a backlash against women’s rights is jeopardising the progress made.
This calls for renewed efforts by the Council of Europe, in which a change in mindsets and political will and commitment are preconditions for solid, long-lasting progress.

Therefore, in addition to ensuring efficient implementation of the measures already set out in the 3.
Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023, the Assembly invites the Committee of Ministers to: renew its political commitment to gender equality and step up its action to achieve it, including 3.1. by supporting gender mainstreaming in all Council of Europe policies and activities; 3.2. appoint a Gender Equality Rapporteur to ensure gender mainstreaming in its own work; pay attention to gender equality when electing and appointing candidates for posts or roles 3.3. where women or men are under-represented; 3.4. adopt Guidelines for the use of non-sexist language at the Council of Europe (superceding those contained in the appendix to Instruction No.
33 of 1 June 1994 of the Secretary General concerning the use of non‑sexist language at the Council of Europe) and ensure the enforcement of these guidelines in all official documents and texts adopted by Council of Europe bodies; promote the ratification and implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing 3.5. and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No.
210); ensure the full implementation of existing standards and adequate resourcing of gender equality 3.6. policies and mechanisms, as well as civil society organisations working in this area: 3.7. widely disseminate Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)1 on preventing and combating sexism and take the necessary measures to ensure its provisions are implemented within the Council of Europe; 3.8. review recommendations to member States on gender mainstreaming, with a view to achieving gender mainstreaming in all policies and measures, in line with the indications of the Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 of the Council of Europe; 3.9. champion the gender equality agenda at the global level, promoting and supporting the Council of Europe contribution to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular towards achieving Goal No.
5.

Assembly debate on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting) (see Doc.

14907, report of the Committee on Equality and Non- 1.

Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Elvira Kovács).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Recommendation 2158 (2019)1 Provisional version Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights- based approach Parliamentary Assembly 1.
The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 2291 (2019) “Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach” and its Recommendation 2091 (2016) on the case against a Council of Europe legal instrument on involuntary measures in psychiatry.
The Assembly reiterates the urgent need for the Council of Europe, as the leading regional human 2. rights organisation, to fully integrate the paradigm shift initiated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into its work regarding the protection of human rights and dignity of persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities.
It thus calls on the Committee of Ministers to prioritise support to member States to immediately start to transition to the abolition of coercive practices in mental health settings.

3.

The Assembly notes with satisfaction that the Council of Europe Committee on Bioethics (DH-BIO) is planning to engage in a study on “Good practices in mental healthcare – how to promote voluntary measures”.
It invites the Committee of Ministers to encourage the DH-BIO to carry out such a study, with the involvement of all relevant actors in the field and, in particular, relevant non-governmental organisations representing persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities.

The Assembly notes the continued widespread opposition to the pursuance of work on an additional 4. protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (ETS No.
164), concerning the protection of human rights and dignity of persons with mental disorder, with regard to involuntary placement and involuntary treatment.
Taking into consideration the comments received during the consultations in 2015 and 2018 (including from the Assembly‘s competent committees), which underline the draft protocol’s incompatibility with the CRPD and its incapacity to protect persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities from violations of their human rights, the Assembly invites the Committee of Ministers to redirect efforts from the drafting of the additional protocol to the drafting of guidelines on ending coercion in mental health.
Assembly debate on 26 June 2019 (23rd Sitting) (see Doc.

14895, report of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health 1. and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman; and Doc.

14910, opinion of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Sahiba Gafarova).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 26 June 2019 (23rd Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Recommendation 2159 (2019)1 Provisional version Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Parliamentary Assembly 1.
The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 2294 (2019) “Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals”, Resolution 2271 (2019) and Recommendation 2150 (2019) on strengthening co-operation with the United Nations in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Resolution 2272 (2019) “Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: synergy needed on the part of all stakeholders, from parliaments to local authorities”.

2.
2.

The Assembly believes that Sustainable Development Goal Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children is one of the top targets for which the contribution of the Council of Europe will prove to be the most valuable.
It thus recommends that the Committee of Ministers focus efforts on: 2.1. accelerating progress towards reaching this target in member States, including by keeping issues of violence against children high up on the agenda of the Council of Europe’s intergovernmental and monitoring bodies dealing with children’s rights; 2.2. working together with the United Nations in accelerating progress worldwide.

Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (25th and 26th Sittings) (see Doc.
14894, report of the Committee on Social 1.

Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Baroness Doreen Massey).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Recommendation 2160 (2019)1 Provisional version Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Parliamentary Assembly The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 2295 (2019) “Stop violence against, and 1. exploitation of, migrant children”.

2.
2.

It welcomes the work done by the Council of Europe in the framework of its Action Plan on Protecting Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe as a follow-up to the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees’ Thematic Report on migrant and refugee children, and in particular the chapter on preventing and responding to violence, trafficking and exploitation.

3.
3.

The Assembly acknowledges the work done by the Lanzarote Committee in monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No.

201, “Lanzarote Convention”) and in supporting the European States to adopt specific legislation and take measures to prevent sexual violence against children, to protect the victims, including migrant children, and to prosecute the perpetrators.
In particular, it welcomes the Lanzarote Committee’s special report on “Protecting children affected by the refugee crisis from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”.

4.

It also welcomes the work of the monitoring mechanism of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No.
197), the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), aimed at the implementation by the member States of the obligations to provide rights for victims of trafficking, including migrant children, for example the right to be identified as a victim, to be protected and to be assisted.

5.
5.

The Assembly also supports the work of the Ad hoc Committee for the Rights of the Child (CAHENF), in particular through its Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children, and welcomes its current work to develop guidelines on children’s rights and safeguards in the context of migration, notably on guardianship and age assessment.

6.
6.

The Assembly therefore calls on the Committee of Ministers to: 6.1. adopt as soon as possible the guidelines on guardianship and age assessment in order to provide appropriate safeguards for children in the context of migration, and invite the CAHENF and other relevant Council of Europe bodies to promote them among the member States; ask the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) to consider the possibility of developing 6.2.
European standards for non-custodial reception centres for migrant children; 6.3. call on the member States that are Parties to the Lanzarote Convention and have not yet done so, to take action to comply with the recommendations of the Lanzarote Committee’s special report on “Protecting children affected by the refugee crisis from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”.

Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (25th and 26th Sittings) (see Doc.

14905, report of the Committee on Migration, 1.


Refugees and Displaced Persons, rapporteur: Ms Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir; and Doc.

14919, opinion of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Recommendation 2161 (2019)1 Provisional version Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States Parliamentary Assembly The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 2299 (2019) on pushback policies and practice in 1.

Council of Europe member States.

2.


The Assembly is concerned about the persistent and increasing practice and policies of pushbacks, which are in clear violation of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including the right to (seek) asylum and the protection against refoulement, which are at the core of international refugee and human rights law.

3.
3.

In the face of the gravity of the human rights violations involved, the Assembly urges the governments of member States to provide adequate protection to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants arriving at their borders, and thus to refrain from any pushbacks, to allow for independent monitoring, and to fully investigate all allegations of pushbacks.
There are persistent reports and evidence of inhuman and degrading treatment by member States and their agencies in the framework of those pushbacks, through intimidation, taking or destroying migrants’ belongings, and even through the use of violence and depriving migrants of food and basic services.

4.
The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers: exhort the governments of all member States to reject and prevent any form of pushback policy 4.1. and action; 4.2. promote the reconsideration of any bilateral agreements between member States on border control between neighbouring countries which jeopardise the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers arriving at their borders or trying to arrive there; ensure the swift execution of the relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, 4.3. including the implementation of interim measures; promote the work of national (ONG) and international (OING) non-governmental organisations 4.4. as partners, refraining from action that undermines their legitimate activities aimed at saving human lives, to refrain from using stigmatising rhetoric against NGOs assisting migrants, and to invite the Council of Europe’s INGO Forum to work on recommendations in this area for national NGOs; consider drafting guidelines for border policing practises along the lines of the Manual on 4.5.
Intercultural Community Policing of the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme, and examine how this programme could be used as a model; 4.6. consider inviting the relevant Council of Europe committee to work on guidelines on ensuring access to rights of migrants arriving at borders or attempting to arrive there, including aspects such as access to complete and comprehensible information, to translation and interpretation services, to legal assistance at all stages of reception and asylum processes, to continued and child- and gender- Assembly debate on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting) (see Doc.
14909, report of the Committee on Migration, Refugees 1. and Displaced Persons, rapporteur: Ms Tineke Strik).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Recommendation 2161 (2019) sensitive medical, social and psychological services and to decent conditions of accommodation, prohibiting inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of Council of Europe and other international conventions.

5.
5.

Finally, the Assembly also asks the Committee of Ministers to formally encourage member States of the European Union to accelerate their work on an improved revised Dublin Regulation in a way that furthers equal responsibility-sharing in order to relieve the burden for frontline States and in the interest of asylum seekers themselves.
Meanwhile, the Committee of Ministers should encourage more efficient relocation programmes, to ease the pressure on Europe’s external borders, which can lead to pushbacks.

2 Resolutions 2287 to 2299 Resolution 2287 (2019)1 Provisional version Strengthening the decision-making process of the Parliamentary Assembly concerning credentials and voting Parliamentary Assembly 1.
As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, the Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its commitment, as one of the statutory organs of the Council of Europe, to resolutely promote the aims of the Organisation, as set forth in the Preamble to and Articles 1 and 3 of the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No.

1).
1).

It recalls the numerous resolutions and recommendations it has adopted over the last few decades both to strengthen its capacity to act in this area and to state its position on the failure of given member States to honour the statutory obligations they entered into upon joining the Council of Europe.

2.
2.

As it has done regularly in the past, the Assembly intends to constructively analyse the consistency, relevance, effectiveness and legitimacy of its procedures and mechanisms in the light of the goals it has set itself.
It may find it necessary to change its practices and adjust its rules, were a revision of its machinery and procedures to prove indispensable to guarantee more effectively the principles and values that are the “common heritage of the peoples” of Europe and to uphold more resolutely the Council of Europe’s fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

3.
3.

The Assembly welcomes the numerous contributions submitted by its parliamentary delegations and political groups in the context of the Ad hoc Committee on the Role and Mission of the Parliamentary Assembly set up by the Bureau in December 2017, which showed the delegations’ and political groups’ deep commitment to the Council of Europe’s fundamental values and principles, their promotion, their protection and to the monitoring of the member States' respect for them.
It notes with great satisfaction the unwavering backing clearly expressed for the existing supervision machinery it has developed for over 25 years to ensure that member States respect the principles and values of the Council of Europe, the statutory obligations and the commitments they have entered into upon joining the Council of Europe.

4.
4.

The Assembly takes into consideration the decision adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at its 129th Session (Helsinki, 17 May 2019) on “A shared responsibility for democratic security in Europe – Ensuring respect for rights and obligations, principles, standards and values”.
It welcomes the positive reception by the Committee of Ministers of its call for an enhanced political dialogue between the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, and its recognition of the urgent need to develop synergies and provide for co-ordinated action by the two statutory organs, in recognition of their respective mandates.
The Assembly therefore welcomes the Committee of Ministers' encouraging support for the proposal it made in Resolution 2277 (2019) and Recommendation 2153 (2019) “Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future” to set up, in addition to existing procedures, a joint procedure of reaction, which could be initiated by either the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers or the Secretary General, “in order to strengthen the Organisation's ability to react more effectively in situations where a member State violates its statutory obligations or does not respect the fundamental principles and values upheld by the Council of Europe”.
For its part, the Assembly is firmly committed to making this proposal operational as soon as possible.

Assembly debate on 24 and 25 June 2019 (20th Sitting) (see Doc.

14900, report of the Committee on Rules of 1.

Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs, rapporteur: Ms Petra De Sutter).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (20th Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2287 (2019) 5.
The Assembly also notes that the Committee of Ministers “having regard to the importance of the elections of the Secretary General and of judges to the European Court of Human Rights, would welcome that delegations of all member States take part in the next June part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly”.

6.
6.

The Assembly recalls that, in accordance with the provisions of its Rules of Procedure, in full conformity with the Statute of the Council of Europe, the term of office of delegations of national parliaments to the Assembly takes effect at the opening of the Ordinary Session, when their credentials are ratified.

7.
Taking into consideration the Committee of Ministers’ decision in Helsinki, as well as the exceptional context which led to it, the Assembly decides by way of derogation from Rules 6.1 (last sentence) and 6.3 of its Rules of Procedure, relating to the transmission of credentials of national delegations to the President of the Assembly and their ratification by the Assembly, and Rule 11.3 on the appointments following parliamentary elections, to invite the parliaments of Council of Europe member States which are not represented by a delegation to the Assembly to present the credentials of their representatives and substitutes at the June 2019 part-session of the Assembly.
These credentials shall be submitted to the Assembly for ratification at the next sitting following their transmission.

8.

The Assembly notes with the Committee of Ministers that the member States of the Council of Europe are “entitled to participate on an equal basis in the two statutory organs of the Council of Europe”, within the terms fixed in Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Statute of the Council of Europe.
It recalls its Resolution 2277 (2019) in which it underlines that Council of Europe membership implies an obligation of all member States to participate in both statutory organs.

It furthermore recalls, in this respect, that all parliamentary delegations enjoy the same rights under its Rules of Procedure and are subject to the same obligations in accordance with procedures that apply equally to all.

9.
However, the Assembly recalls that it may decide, pursuant to Rule 10.1.c of its Rules of Procedure, to take collective measures against its members by depriving or suspending the exercise of a number of participation and/or representation rights in the activities of the Assembly and its bodies, based on a breach or a violation of the provisions of its Rules of Procedure or the Statute of the Council of Europe, in the context of the procedure for challenging or reconsidering national delegations’ credentials on procedural or substantive grounds.
The Assembly recalls that the members’ rights of participation or representation in the activities of the 10.

Assembly and its bodies that may be withdrawn or suspended by the Assembly are not listed in the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

It is up to the Assembly, when deciding, by resolution, on a challenge to or reconsideration of credentials to determine the rights that may be affected.
However, in order to ensure the coherence of the Organisation’s internal legal framework, the Assembly, in its decisions, should continue to comply with the Statute of the Council of Europe and to take into due consideration relevant decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers.
Therefore, to ensure that the member States’ right and obligation to be represented and to participate in both statutory bodies of the Council of Europe is respected, the Assembly decides to supplement Rule 10 of its Rules of Procedure, adding after Rule 10.1.c the following clarification: “The members’ rights to vote, to speak and to be represented in the Assembly and its bodies shall not be suspended or withdrawn in the context of a challenge to or reconsideration of credentials” 11.
Finally, the Assembly considers that the issue of supplementing its Rules of Procedure with regard to introducing a procedure for challenging the credentials of individual members of a national delegation on substantial grounds deserves further consideration.

The Assembly decides that the changes to the Rules of Procedure set out in the present resolution 12. shall enter into force upon its adoption.
2 Resolution 2288 (2019)1 Provisional version Expenditure of the Parliamentary Assembly for the biennium 2020-2021 Parliamentary Assembly 1.

In pursuance of Committee of Ministers Resolution (53) 38 on the budgetary system of the Consultative Assembly and Article 24 of the Financial Regulations, the Parliamentary Assembly issues an opinion concerning the expenditure relating to its operation.
The amounts allocated to the Assembly in the ordinary budget of the Council of Europe cover its expenditure on staff and the costs associated with its own functioning, including the functioning of its political groups.

Since 2010, the Assembly has presented the opinion concerning its own expenditure in the form of a resolution.

2.
2.

The preparation of the Assembly’s opinion on the budget and priorities of the Council of Europe and of the resolution on its own expenditure for the biennium 2020-2021 is taking place in a strange context.
The Assembly is required to comment on Council of Europe priorities on the basis of the participation of the 47 member States in the Council of Europe’s budget, whereas the reality of the situation should lead us to present an opinion based on the actual situation facing the Council of Europe, in other words without the funding from one of the five major contributors, namely the Russian Federation.
The Assembly recalls that the Council of Europe is an international organisation of a political nature, without an economic or gainful aim, set up by sovereign States which relies on contributions by its member States for its funding.

3.
3.

The Assembly is aware of the challenges of the budget for the next biennium, given the uncertainty surrounding the Russian Federation’s non-payment of its contributions to the Council of Europe’s budgets, and has taken note of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe’s contingency plan of a €32.4 million reduction for the ordinary budget spread over a three-year period starting in the second half of 2019.
In this context, the Assembly has been asked to proceed with a reduction at the level of 15% of its budget.

4.
4.

The Assembly points out that, at the meeting between the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and its Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs in January 2019, the General Rapporteur on the Budget made a proposal on identifying alternatives to a reduction in the budget, in particular the assignment of debt to a third party, a proposal which the Assembly’s Presidential Committee supported at its meeting on 24 January 2019.

5.
5.

Before agreeing to any other cuts in its budget, the Assembly therefore calls for all alternative options, including the assignment of debt to a third party, to be studied seriously by the Secretary General and the Committee of Ministers.

6.
6.

Having made these preemptive comments, the Assembly refers to its Resolution 2277 (2019) “Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future” and recalls that it must continue to be the political driving force of the Council of Europe, notably by addressing challenges to human rights, the rule of law and democracy, both at national and at regional level, as well as the societal challenges faced by its Assembly debate on 25 June 2019 (21st Sitting) (see Doc.
14901, report of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, 1.

Immunities and Institutional Affairs, rapporteur: Mr Mart van de Ven).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (21st Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2288 (2019) member States.
As a forum for sharing best practices and experience, the Assembly provides national parliaments and States with the support and guidance they need to ensure well-functioning democracies and respect for the rule of law.

7.

The Assembly’s action ties in with the three pillars of the Council of Europe’s Programme and Budget, namely human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Its work will contribute to the implementation of various cross-sectoral multi-annual strategies adopted by the Council of Europe (in particular in the areas of children’s rights, gender equality and internet governance) and, where appropriate, the Assembly may propose new standards in new areas or on emerging issues such as new technologies, digitisation and artificial intelligence.

8.
8.

The Assembly supports the efficient implementation at national level of Council of Europe standards and conventions and of the conclusions of the various monitoring bodies and mechanisms, in particular regarding the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No.

5) and the role of national parliaments as guarantors of human rights in Europe.
The Assembly also encourages parliamentary involvement in the promotion and implementation of 9. other key Council of Europe instruments by which it sets great store, namely the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No.

210, “Istanbul Convention”), the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No.
201, “Lanzarote Convention”) and the Council of Europe Convention on the counterfeiting of medical products and similar crimes involving threats to public health (CETS No.

211, “Medicrime Convention”).

10.


The Assembly, referring to its Resolution 2271 (2019) and Recommendation 2150 (2019) on strengthening co-operation with the United Nations in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, considers that various aspects of its work contribute towards the achievement of this Agenda and will help member States to assess progress when preparing their national reviews.
In the context of the biennium 2020-2021, special effort will be made to increase parliamentary involvement in this process, to translate the Sustainable Development Goals into national action and raise the electorate’s awareness about the impact they have on their daily lives.

11.

Gender equality and gender mainstreaming will be key aspects of all Assembly policies and activities, as provided for in the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023.
There will be a special focus on eliminating violence against women, and the Assembly will continue its activities aimed at promoting and protecting children’s rights, promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination on all grounds.

12.
12.

In the area of election observation, the Assembly will continue to observe parliamentary and presidential elections in countries under its monitoring and post-monitoring dialogue procedures, in close co- operation with the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).

Special attention will be devoted to dispute-resolution procedures and the funding of political parties and election campaigns, as well as the abuse of public resources for the benefit of ruling parties.

13.
13.

The fight against corruption and money laundering will remain on the agenda of the committees, bearing in mind the implementation of the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) following the report by the Independent Investigation Body on the allegations of corruption within the Assembly (IBAC).

14.
14.

In the area of inter-parliamentary co-operation, the Assembly will continue implementing various assistance and co-operation programmes suited to the needs of parliamentary institutions, in close co- operation with the committee secretariats.

It will continue to hold multilateral seminars for parliamentarians and parliamentary committee staff on supervision of the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

15.
15.

Other co-operation activities will be carried out concerning, for instance, the parliamentary dimension of European Union/Council of Europe joint programmes: phase three of the South Programme (SPIII), which will end in 2020, and the inter-parliamentary co-operation programme in Morocco (2018-2021).
The Assembly will continue its work in connection with the action plan drawn up for Ukraine and the component on strengthening parliamentary capacity to implement Council of Europe standards and policies in Ukraine (Phase II) and also the plan for Georgia, subject to available resources.

16.
16.

The Assembly will continue its policy of seeking financial resources from governments and parliaments with a view to implementing in 2020-2021 its programme, “Promoting European and international standards through parliamentary action” with a particular focus on public health, empowering and protecting children, women’s right to live free from violence and the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance.

2 Resolution 2288 (2019) 17.
In this connection, the Assembly wishes to express its sincere appreciation to those member States and their parliaments (in particular Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Switzerland) which, through their contributions, have enabled it (during the biennium 2018-2019) to finance Assembly activities, and to the Czech Government, the Václav Havel Library and the Charter 77 Foundation, which contribute generously to the outreach and prestige of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.
18.

In the coming biennium, the Assembly will continue to carry out the activities provided for in its Rules of Procedure by holding various elections in accordance with statutory and convention requirements (Deputy Secretary General, Secretary General of the Assembly, Judges of the European Court of Human Rights) and promoting the various European distinctions it awards (Europe Prize, Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, Museum Prize).

19.
19.

In terms of external communication and visibility, the Assembly will enrich its website and enable parliamentarians and all other users to download the video recordings of debates during plenary sessions.
The Assembly will also continue to develop new tools and content for its accounts on Facebook (five separate pages) and Twitter (six accounts), as well as audiovisual activities such as the television magazine, “The Session”, its own YouTube channel and a new weekly activities e-newsletter for members.

Regarding the efforts requested in the Assembly, it is worth noting that a 15% reduction in the 20.
Assembly’s budget compared to the appropriations foreseen in 2019 represents a cut of some €2.2 million (including €1.4 million on staff expenditure).

It should be noted that redundancy payments for the early departure of staff are not included in the contingency plan, except for an amount set aside for this purpose in the framework of the Programme and Budget 2018-2019.

The implementation of the contingency plan means the freezing of permanent posts in the Assembly’s 21.
Secretariat (with the 15% scenario) and a substantial reduction of appropriations to employ temporary staff.
The required savings in the operational activities budget for the year 2020-2021 might have to be 22. identified through: – – – – a possible change of the method of preparation of verbatim reports of plenary sessions; the possible suppression of Russian as a working language of the Assembly (in line with Rule 28.3 of the Rules of Procedure); possible further reductions in interpretation in working languages provided in committees; the possible reorganisation of plenary sessions of the Assembly (less days of plenary sittings of the Assembly per year).
23.

For several years the Assembly has contributed to the efforts called for to remain within a zero nominal growth budget.

In 2018, the Assembly reduced its expenditure by €1.5 million following Turkey’s decision to discontinue its major contributor status.

During the last ten years, the share of the Assembly's budget in the Council of Europe's Ordinary Budget decreased from 7.2% in 2009 to 6.5% in 2019 and the number of posts in the Assembly Secretariat decreased from 94 in 2009 to 84 in 2019.

24.
24.

The Assembly reiterates its call on member States to return to zero real growth, that is to say at least to include inflation in their contributions, so as to stabilise the Organisation’s resources and thereby enable the Council of Europe to continue to fulfil its mandate for member States.

Appended to this resolution are: i. ii.

a brief explanation of the main items of expenditure; a table setting out the Assembly’s work programme according to the results-based budgeting method.
3 Resolution 2288 (2019) Appendix 1 – Expenditure of the Assembly Vote III – Staff expenditure This appropriation corresponds to the basic salaries, allowances (non-recurring and periodic) and social 1. cover of the permanent staff of the secretariat of the Assembly and of temporary staff.

2.

The information provided here is based on the current structure of the Assembly comprising nine committees.
As at 1 May 2019, the secretariat comprised 84 permanent posts and positions, one specially appointed official (Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly), broken down as follows: Permanent posts 2 A6 7 A5 9 A4 23 A2/A3 3 A2/A3 1 B6 5 B5 10 B4 17 B3 6 B2 1 B3 Positions At present, the secretariat of the Assembly is organised so that the nine Assembly committees have 3.

46 staff working for them (comprising 29 A-grade and 17 B-grade permanent staff members).

4.
4.

The remaining 38 staff members work for the Bureau of the Assembly, the Private Office of the President of the Assembly, the Table Office, the Election Observation Division, the Parliamentary Projects Support Division, the Central Division, the Communication Division and the Information Technology Unit.
Since 2009, due to the zero-growth policy in nominal terms and following Turkey's decision in 2018 to 5. discontinue its major contributor status, the Assembly has reduced by 10 the number of its posts or positions.
Within the contingency plan, out of a current total of 84 permanent posts and positions (44 A and 40 B), 6. several would have to be frozen already in 2019 (see the tables below): Number of posts to be frozen – Scenario 15% budgetary cuts Compulsory retirements Other posts TOTAL 2019 2020 2021 2022 TOTAL 1 2 3 - 4 4 3 2 5 3 - 3 7 8 15 Supplies, services and other operational expenditure In recent years, the Assembly has made substantial savings by rationalising its work to reduce its 1. operational expenditure.
In particular in 2018, following Turkey’s decision to discontinue its major contributor status, the Assembly had to cut its budget by 9.47%, which led to the ending of the use of Turkish as a working language at the Assembly, as the funding for it was no longer available.

2.
– – – – – – The functioning of the Assembly covers the following range of tasks: holding of the ordinary session divided into four part-sessions (taking place in January, April, June and September/October of each year); meetings of the Standing Committee between the part-sessions, held at a frequency of three meetings per year; meetings of the Bureau and the Presidential Committee; meetings, during and outside the four part-sessions of the Assembly, for each of the nine general committees, the sub-committees, the ad hoc committees of the Assembly and the Bureau; conferences, colloquies, seminars and parliamentary hearings; activities coming under the Assembly’s programme of inter-parliamentary co-operation; 4 Resolution 2288 (2019) – – visits by rapporteurs in connection with the preparation of reports, including to countries subject to monitoring of the honouring of member States’ obligations and commitments or to the post-monitoring dialogue; election observation.
3.
In 2020-2021, the Assembly will continue to carry out its priority tasks and pursue its objectives in accordance with its Resolution 2277 (2019) “Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future», namely: – – – – – – – continuing to be the political driving force of the Council of Europe, notably by addressing challenges to human rights, the rule of law and democracy, both at national and at regional level, while giving priority to measures to ensure well-functioning democracies and respect for the rule of law; supporting the efficient implementation of several groundbreaking Council of Europe standards at national level, through public awareness-raising; ensuring parliamentary involvement in the promotion and implementation of key Council of Europe instruments, in particular the Istanbul Convention, the Lanzarote Convention and the Medicrime Convention; contributing towards the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; contributing to the implementation of various cross-sectoral multi-annual Council of Europe strategies (in particular in the areas of children’s rights, equality between women and men and internet governance); taking part in the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy for 2018-2023, including within the Assembly, with a special focus on human rights and the gender dimension as well as on eliminating violence against women; helping national parliaments to check the conformity of legislation with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No.
5) more effectively and strengthen their ability to monitor the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
In addition, the Assembly will continue over the forthcoming biennium to seek financing for specific 4. major projects to be carried out by some of its committees: – – – promoting public health through parliamentary action and empowering and protecting children through parliamentary action; the Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence; the No Hate Alliance and its five priority themes: hate speech, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, anti- Gypsyism and homophobia and transphobia.
With regard to the other co-operation activities, the Assembly will continue its awareness-raising work 5. among parliaments concerning their role in supervising the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and its specific co-operation activities in connection with the parliamentary dimension of several European Union–Council of Europe joint programmes such as phase three of the South Programme (SPIII), which is due to end in 2020, the inter-parliamentary co-operation programme for Morocco (2018-2021) and the action plans for Georgia and Ukraine.
6.

Regarding the electoral process, the Assembly will continue to observe parliamentary and presidential elections in countries under its monitoring and post-monitoring dialogue procedures, in close co-operation with the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).

Special attention will be devoted to dispute-resolution procedures and the funding of political parties and election campaigns, as well as the abuse of public resources for the benefit of ruling parties.
Lastly, the Assembly will also continue to support its political groups through their allocation, which is 7. based on a lump sum for secretarial assistance paid to each of the existing groups along with an additional per capita amount which varies according to their membership.
To sum up, the draft budget for 2020 and 2021 is the same as the budget approved by the Committee 8. of Ministers for 2019 (it does not take account of the three-year contingency plan for the ordinary budget which might take effect on 1 July 2019).
It amounts to: 5 Resolution 2288 (2019) Year 2020 2021 Staff2 Other expenditure Total €9,690,900 €9,690,900 €4,987,900 €4,987,900 €14,678,800 €14,678,800 If the contingency plan were to be implemented, the requested reduction on the budget of the Assembly 9. will be the following for the years from 2019 to 2022.
15% reduction Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 TOTAL Staff Other expenditure Total -€214,800 -€504,100 -€388,700 -€324,200 -€118,800 -€278,900 -€394,400 -€333,600 -€783,000 -€783,100 -€324 200 -€1,431,800 -€792,100 -€2,223,900 2.

Based on the 2019 budget (excluding pension contributions).
6 Resolution 2288 (2019) Appendix 2 – Functioning of the Assembly Intervention logic Performance indicators Expected result 1 – Sessions/committees The part-sessions, committee meetings, hearings and conferences were organised by an efficient secretariat in line with members’ expectations.

Percentage of registered speakers able to take the floor (target: 70%).

Number of meetings per committee held each year.

Number of conferences and hearings organised with committee meetings.
Degree of satisfaction of parliamentarians about the assistance provided before, during and after part-sessions and committee meetings.

Expected result 2 – Co-operation Number of co-operation programmes drawn up.

Parliaments of relevant member States have benefited from inter-parliamentary co-operation programmes implemented to respond to specific needs and priorities of the Council of Europe and national parliaments.
Expected result 3 – Election observation The Assembly and parliaments of relevant member States have received observation reports which evaluate parliamentary or presidential elections and include targeted recommendations.

Expected result 4 – Communication and visibility Public opinion in member States has been informed of the activities of the Assembly and of its members through traditional and social media.

Evidence of the quality and relevance of organised activities.
Number of election observation mission reports submitted to the Assembly.

Evidence of improvement (change in national law and practices) following previous visits.

Number of articles published in print media in which activities of the Assembly are reflected.

Percentage increase in the number of external users of the Assembly’s website.

Number of interviews via Media box.


7 Resolution 2289 (2019)1 Provisional version The Istanbul Convention on violence against women: achievements and challenges Parliamentary Assembly 1.

Violence against women is a crime.

It is one of the most widespread human rights violations, a form of gender-based discrimination and a manifestation of deeply rooted inequality between women and men.

It occurs irrespective of the social status of the perpetrator or the victim and no country is immune to this scourge.
Violence against women cannot be justified or rationalised under any circumstances.

Yet, one in three women in the European Union reports being victim of gender-based violence once or several times since the age of 15.

2.

In order to tackle this scourge, co-ordinated action at policy, legislative and institutional level is needed.
The Parliamentary Assembly therefore strongly supported the drafting of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (STCE No.

210, “Istanbul Convention”).

It has called relentlessly for its signature, ratification and implementation since its entry into force on 1 August 2014.
Its Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence and its general rapporteurs on violence against women have played an essential role in promoting the Convention, with targeted actions in national parliaments across the member States, as well as at the regional and international level.

The Network has also provided a useful forum for sharing experience and promising practice, as well as for disseminating practical tools for addressing violence against women.
The Assembly reiterates its firm support to the Istanbul Convention, which remains the most advanced 3. and comprehensive international legal instrument on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

The Convention sets high standards and takes a comprehensive approach focusing on prevention, protection of the victims, prosecution of the perpetrators and integrated policies – by placing the rights of the victim at the centre of all actions taken and measures implemented.
It also promotes gender equality and challenges gender stereotypes.

The United Nations refers to it as the “gold standard” and uses it as a reference standard in its work.

The Istanbul Convention has been ratified by 34 Council of Europe member States to date, and signed 4. by 11 others and the European Union.

Two Council of Europe member States have neither signed nor ratified it.
The Convention is open to non-Council of Europe member States and constitutes a strong awareness- raising and advocacy tool on the need to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.

Although made in Europe, it is not meant for Europe only and several non-Council of Europe member States and other regional organisations are using it when preparing their own policies and legal frameworks.
The Assembly strongly supports the work carried out by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, and especially the co-ordination she has initiated between the regional mechanisms.

5.
5.

To ensure implementation of regional and international standards at national and international level and strengthen positive impact, co-operation and partnerships among the different regional and international mechanisms promoting and upholding women’s rights and combating violence against women is very Assembly debate on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting) (see Doc.

14908, report of the Committee on Equality and Non- 1.

Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Zita Gurmai).


Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2289 (2019) important.
In this regard, the Assembly welcomes the commitment of the Finnish and French Presidencies of the Committee of Ministers, as well as several previous ones, to making combating violence against women a priority and to increasing efforts to promote the ratification of the Convention.

6.
6.

Monitoring of the implementation of the Istanbul Convention is carried out by the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), which has already completed its baseline evaluation of Albania, Austria, Denmark, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, Sweden and Turkey, in a spirit of constructive dialogue and co-operation with the States.

The evaluation procedures in respect of Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Serbia will soon be completed.
The Assembly commends GREVIO for its work and achievements.

It welcomes the positive approach by which the States that have been monitored have responded to the proposals put forward in the reports.

7.

The Assembly recalls that parliamentary involvement in monitoring is foreseen in Article 70 of the Istanbul Convention, at national level and at the level of the Assembly, which is invited to regularly take stock of the implementation of the Convention.
In this regard, the Assembly welcomes GREVIO’s engagement with parliamentarians during its evaluation visits.

8.

Five years after its entry into force, the Assembly believes that the Istanbul Convention has already had a tangible and positive impact.

It has contributed to raising victims’ awareness and to raising awareness in society in general as to the urgent need to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.
Higher legislative and policy standards have been introduced in national law in several Council of Europe member States.

Discussions on the possible ratification of the Convention have led to debates on violence against women, its extent and impact on victims and on the urgency of combating it to save lives.

Furthermore, focused training for legal professionals and the police have proven important to eliminate obstacles to access to justice by women victims of violence.

9.
9.

The Assembly regrets that a number of challenges are delaying some countries’ accession to the Convention or hindering its implementation by States Parties.

Too often, an important gap remains between law and implementation.

There is also a lack of data, co-ordination and resources, which can delay legislative and policy changes.

The Istanbul Convention is misrepresented by its opponents as an attack on family values or as promoting a hidden agenda.
These misconceptions and deliberate misinterpretation for political purposes undermine the added value and high potential of the Convention as well as the considerable achievements made in past years and effective implementation of the Convention.

10.
10.

The Assembly refers to its Resolution 2274 (2019) “Promoting parliaments free of sexism and sexual harassment” as well as to the Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)1 to prevent and combat sexism, and underlines the importance of complementing the Istanbul Convention by action to change mindsets and harmful gender stereotypes, as well as combating different types of violence against women.

11.
In the light of these considerations, the Assembly calls on the Council of Europe member States to: 11.1. sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention, for those which have not yet done so; 11.2. implement the Convention without further delay, taking into account the comments, findings and proposals made by GREVIO in its baseline evaluation reports and the recommendations adopted by the Committee of the Parties; 11.3. co-operate with GREVIO in involving national parliaments when preparing the State report to GREVIO and when preparing follow-up action; 11.4. actively support and promote the Istanbul Convention, at national and international level, and combat misconceptions and disinformation about the Convention; 11.5. engage in awareness-raising activities on all forms of violence against women with a view to contributing to changing mindsets and stereotypes; 11.6. strengthen services providing assistance to victims of gender-based violence; 11.7. make full use of the tools provided by the Council of Europe Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals online course on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence to ensure that every link in the legal chain is familiar with the provisions of the Istanbul Convention; 11.8. provide or strengthen training for all legal and non-legal relevant professionals dealing with victims or perpetrators, in the spirit of the Convention; 2 Resolution 2289 (2019) 11.9. recognise, encourage and support, at all levels, the work of relevant non-governmental organisations and members of civil society active in combating violence against women, and establish effective co-operation with these actors.
12.

The Assembly invites the European Union to speed up its accession to the Istanbul Convention.

The Assembly also encourages non-Council of Europe member States to consider acceding to the 13.

Convention.

14.
The Assembly calls on national parliaments to: 14.1. participate actively in the monitoring procedure of the implementation of the Convention; 14.2. undertake activities, such as debates and hearings, to discuss findings and proposals put forward in the evaluation reports by GREVIO and recommendations by the Committee of Parties concerning their countries; 14.3. step up efforts to raise awareness of the achievements and added value of the Istanbul Convention, with a view to demystifying misconceptions about the Convention; 14.4. actively promote the Istanbul Convention at national, regional and international levels; 14.5. support the work of the Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence with the aim of bringing practical solutions to end violence against women and domestic violence; 14.6. support the #NotInMyParliament initiative on preventing and combating sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliaments and follow up on proposals made in its Resolution 2274 (2019).
15.

The Assembly decides to examine ways to step up its co-operation with GREVIO and the Gender Equality Commission of the Council of Europe, with a view to taking stock of the implementation of the Istanbul Convention.

The Assembly further decides to enhance efforts to mobilise parliamentary support for the Istanbul Convention.

16.

The Assembly decides to consider establishing partnerships and co-operation with other parliamentary networks to promote the Istanbul Convention.
The Assembly also decides to consider strengthening its dialogue and co-operation with non-governmental organisations, grass-roots organisations, civil society representatives and the academic sector active in the field of preventing and combating violence against women.

3 Resolution 2290 (2019)1 Provisional version Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality Parliamentary Assembly 1.
As long as women and men do not enjoy the same empowerment, participation, visibility and access to resources, we cannot consider human rights to be respected, or democracy and the rule of law to be achieved.

Gender equality is therefore central to the mission of the Council of Europe.

In turn, peace, human rights, democracy and the rule of law are key points without which it would be impossible to build the institutional infrastructure required to achieve gender equality.

2.
2.

The Council of Europe has promoted equality and tackled discrimination since its foundation seventy years ago.

Since 1979, when the first relevant text of the Committee of Ministers was adopted, and particularly in the last three decades, the Organisation has stepped up efforts to promote gender equality and counter discrimination on grounds of sex.
The Assembly notes with satisfaction that gender equality has been a priority for successive Presidencies of the Committee of Ministers, including the present French Presidency.

3.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No.

5) and its additional protocols, the European Social Charter (ETS No.

35) and other binding texts, including the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No.
210, “Istanbul Convention”) and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No.

197) have built a solid human rights protection system enshrining the principle that women’s rights are an integral part of human rights.

These conventions have also established violence against women as a human rights violation and recognised that the realisation of de jure and de facto equality between women and men is a key element in the prevention of this scourge.
They contain a compelling call for gender mainstreaming and gender equality, and provide unique and valuable guidance in this domain.

4.
4.

In addition, several non-binding texts adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe have contributed to promoting and guiding efforts towards greater gender equality in areas such as economic empowerment, participation in public life and political representation, women in media, the rights of migrant women, gender mainstreaming in sport and the rights of women with disabilities.

Most recently, these texts have also contributed to preventing and combating sexism.

5.
5.

Equal participation is about more than numbers.

Women’s empowerment is crucial to achieving gender equality: it makes women aware of unequal power relations and equips them to overcome inequalities in all fields of life.

6.

The Parliamentary Assembly, bringing together parliamentarians from all the member States of the Council of Europe, has played a leading role in the work of the Organisation in this area.
It has triggered progress in combating all forms of discrimination against women and has recommended measures to tackle it, such as gender quotas in politics, policies to increase women’s participation in the economy, and the balancing of professional and private life.

The Assembly has adopted a firm political stance against all forms of violence against women through its resolutions and recommendations calling for legally binding standards Assembly debate on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting) (see Doc.
14907, report of the Committee on Equality and Non- 1.

Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Elvira Kovács).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2019 (22nd Sitting).

See also Recommendation 2157 (2019).


F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2290 (2019) on preventing, protecting against and prosecuting the most severe and widespread forms of gender-based violence, ultimately leading to the preparation of the ground-breaking Istanbul Convention.
The Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence has supported the implementation of the Convention by raising the awareness of legislators, policy makers and the public of the scourge of gender-based violence and by providing practical solutions and guidance on how to address it.

Despite achievements, recent years have witnessed an increasing opposition to, and erosion of 7. women’s rights worldwide, including in several Council of Europe member States.
Certain government forces and non-State actors are targeting long-acquired rights and previously agreed language is being questioned.

This calls for heightened vigilance in defending the progress achieved in gender equality and strong political commitment and leadership to secure further advances.

8.

The Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 sets out the priorities for joint action by all stakeholders.
It states that the overall goal of the Organisation in this area is to achieve the effective realisation of gender equality and to empower women and men in Council of Europe member States.
The six priority areas of the Strategy (preventing and combating gender stereotypes and sexism; preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; ensuring the equal access of women to justice; achieving balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision-making; protecting the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls; achieving gender mainstreaming in all policies and measures) should be the guiding principles for the Council of Europe agenda for gender equality.
9.

The Assembly highlights that reaching the Strategy’s Goals requires concerted efforts by all players within the Organisation and in member States, as well as external partners, including the private sector and media.

It commits to continue providing consistent political support for their achievement.

10.
10.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 and the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations, as well as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (adopted in 2015), guide the action of the Council of Europe in this field.
The Council of Europe’s comprehensive and extensive legal framework represents a unique contribution to the process of supporting its member States in achieving these Goals, and notably Goal No.

5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Substantial progress towards such ambitious goals requires strong political will, adequate resources, 11. institutional mechanisms and a change of mindset to challenge patriarchal attitudes, counter emerging narratives that distort reality and attack women’s rights and to challenge behaviour that normalises and trivialises violence against women.

Eradicating all forms of sexism and sexist stereotypes, including in language and communication, is an important part of this process.
Role models, both women and men, can be greatly beneficial in capturing the attention of the public.

12.

The Assembly is convinced that the efforts to reach gender equality must not been understood as a battle between women and men, but as a quest for justice, peace and progress.

It is therefore critical to involve men and boys in the planning and implementation of strategies and measures to achieve gender equality, especially those that aim at changing mindsets and attitudes.
Our institutions should embrace gender democracy: a system based on the equal distribution of power and influence between women and men.

13.

The Assembly believes that a gender mainstreaming approach in all policies and measures, alongside specific policies for the advancement of women, is increasingly necessary to achieve gender equality and resolves to ensure that its own activities and policies are gender-sensitive.
The Assembly recalls its Resolution 2274 (2019) on promoting parliaments free of sexism and sexual 14. harassment and commits to achieving a harassment-free Assembly by 2020.

The Assembly endeavours to ensure gender balance in expert panels and other bodies with two or 15. more members.
In the light of the above considerations, the Assembly calls on the Council of Europe member and 16. observer States, as well as those enjoying observer or partner for democracy status with the Parliamentary Assembly, to: 16.1. as regards gender stereotypes and sexism: 16.1.1. take adequate measures to implement the Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)1 on preventing and combating sexism, with a focus on non-stereotypical representation of women and men and on countering online sexism, including sexist hate speech; 2 Resolution 2290 (2019) 16.1.2. strengthen co-operation with journalists’ associations, traditional and online media organisations and advertising federations with a view to promoting gender equality and preventing and countering the use of sexist language and communication, particularly through self-regulation, incentives and the targeted use of subsidies; 16.1.3. make use of role models, including men, in changing mindsets and attitudes; 16.1.4. adopt and enforce guidelines on non-sexist language and communication for institutional information and communication activities; 16.2. as regards violence against women and domestic violence: 16.2.1. sign, ratify, and efficiently implement the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; 16.2.2. pay due attention to and implement recommendations put forward in evaluation reports concerning their countries and ensure the involvement of their parliaments in this process; 16.2.3. ensure the implementation of relevant texts adopted by the Assembly, including Resolution 2084 (2015) on promoting best practices in tackling violence against women, Resolution 2101 (2016) on systematic collection of data on violence against women and Resolution 2274 (2019) on promoting parliaments free of sexism and sexual harassment; 16.3. as regards women’s political representation: 16.3.1. assessing the impact of measures to improve women’s political representation; introduce legislation and policies to
 implement Assembly Resolution 2111 (2016) on 16.3.2. participation of women and men in political and public decision-making; implement Committee of Ministers Recommendation R (2003) 3 on balanced 16.3.3. promote gender parity in decision-making bodies, including through positive measures to ensure that women and men are equally represented in both elected and non-elected bodies; 16.3.4. set a target of achieving equal gender representation in decision-making bodies by 2030; 16.4. as regards women’s economic empowerment: 16.4.1. introduce legislation and policies to implement Assembly Resolution 2235 (2018) on empowering women in the economy, particularly as regards gender equality and equal opportunities in the workplace, women’s access to funding for the creation of businesses, and promoting the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and careers in these areas among women and girls; 16.4.2. inequalities for work of equal value, with a view to eradicating the gender pay gap by 2030; implement anti-discrimination legislation on remuneration and effectively ban salary 16.5. as regards access to justice: 16.5.1. ensure the implementation of Assembly Resolution 2054 (2015) on equality and non- discrimination in the access to justice, with a focus on women, notably victims of gender-based violence; migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women; ethnic minority women; Roma women; women with disabilities; elderly women and other women in a vulnerable situation; 16.5.2. make use of the efficient online tools provided by the Council of Europe Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals, in particular the online course on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; 16.6. as regards sexual and reproductive health and rights: inclusive sexual and relationship 16.6.1. mainstream mandatory, comprehensive and education, conveying unbiased, age-appropriate information on sexuality, relationships and reproductive rights; 16.6.2. guarantee access to
 affordable and modern methods of contraception, with a level of reimbursement equal to other services provided by national health systems, and adequate, comprehensible information made available to the general public; 3 Resolution 2290 (2019) 16.7. as regards the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls: 16.7.1. ensure the implementation of relevant texts adopted by the Assembly, including Resolution 2159 (2017) on protecting refugee women and girls from gender-based violence, Resolution 2167 (2017) on the employment rights of domestic workers, especially women, in Europe and Resolution 2244 (2018) “Migration from a gender perspective: empowering women as key actors for integration”; 16.7.2. ensure that policies and measures with respect to migration, asylum and the integration of migrants fully integrate a gender-sensitive perspective; 16.8. make use of gender impact assessment tools and procedures on a regular basis when designing legislation, policies, programmes and projects; 16.9. implement a gender mainstreaming approach when designing implementing, monitoring and evaluating all policies and measures at all levels of administration, including gender-responsive budgeting; 16.10. ensure the full implementation of existing standards and the adequate resourcing of gender equality policies and mechanisms, as well as civil society organisations working on these topics.
4 Resolution 2291 (2019)1 Provisional version Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights- based approach Parliamentary Assembly 1.

Across Europe, a growing number of persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities are subject to coercive measures such as involuntary placement and treatment.
Even in countries where so- called restrictive laws have been introduced to reduce the recourse to such measures, the trend is similar, indicating that in practice such laws do not seem to produce the intended results.

2.

The overall increase in the use of involuntary measures in mental health settings mainly results from a culture of confinement which focuses and relies on coercion to “control” and “treat” patients who are considered potentially “dangerous” to themselves or others.
Indeed, the notion of risk of harm to oneself or others remains a strong focus in justifications for involuntary measures across Council of Europe member States, despite the lack of empirical evidence regarding both the association between mental health conditions and violence, and the effectiveness of coercive measures in preventing self-harm or harm to others.
Reliance on such coercive measures not only leads to arbitrary deprivations of liberty but, being unjustified differential treatment, it also violates the prohibition on discrimination.

3.

Evidence from sociological fieldwork research on persons with mental health conditions, on the other hand, points to overwhelmingly negative experiences of coercive measures, including pain, trauma and fear.
Involuntary “treatments” administered against the will of patients, such as forced medication and forced electroshocks, are perceived as particularly traumatic.

They also raise major ethical issues, as they can cause potentially irreversible damage to health.

4.
4.

Coercion also has a deterring effect on persons with mental health conditions who avoid or delay contact with the health-care system for fear of losing their dignity and autonomy, which ultimately leads to negative health outcomes, including intense life-threatening distress and crisis situations, which in turn lead to more coercion.

There is a need to break this vicious circle.

5.


Mental health systems across Europe should be reformed to adopt a human rights-based approach which is compatible with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and respectful of medical ethics and of the human rights of the persons concerned, including of their right to health care on the basis of free and informed consent.
A number of positive examples from within and outside Europe, including hospital-based strategies, 6. community-based responses, such as peer-led crisis or respite services, and other initiatives, such as advance planning, have proven to be highly successful in preventing and reducing recourse to coercive practices.
These promising practices are also highly effective in assisting persons with mental health conditions during crisis situations, and should thus be placed at the centre of mental health systems.

Services which rely on coercion should be considered unacceptable alternatives that must be abandoned.

Assembly debate on 26 June 2019 (23rd Sitting) (see Doc.

14895, report of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health 1. and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman; and Doc.
14910, opinion of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Sahiba Gafarova).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 26 June 2019 (23rd Sitting).

See also Recommendation 2158 (2019).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2291 (2019) 7.
In view of the elements above, and convinced that greater awareness, cross-stakeholder co-ordination and political commitment are crucial in initiating and sustaining the much-needed change in mental health policies, the Parliamentary Assembly urges the member States to immediately start to transition to the abolition of coercive practices in mental health settings.
To this end, it calls on the member States to: 7.1. develop, as a first step, a roadmap to radically reduce recourse to coercive measures, with the participation of all stakeholders, including in particular persons with mental health conditions and service providers; develop effective and accessible support services for persons experiencing crises and emotional 7.2. distress, including safe and supportive spaces to discuss suicide and self-harm; 7.3. develop, fund and provide resources for research on non-coercive measures, including community-based responses such as peer-led crisis or respite services, and other initiatives, such as advance planning; dedicate adequate resources to prevention and early identification of mental health conditions 7.4. and early, non-coercive intervention, especially in children and young people, without stigmatisation; 7.5. fight the stereotypes against persons with mental health conditions and, in particular, the erroneous public narrative about violence and persons with mental health conditions, through effective awareness-raising activities involving all relevant stakeholders, including service providers, media, police and law-enforcement officers and the general public, as well as people with lived experience of mental health conditions; review the curricula of higher education institutions, in particular those of schools of medicine, 7.6. law and social work, to ensure that they reflect the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; fight against the exclusion of persons with mental health conditions by ensuring that they have 7.7. access to appropriate social protection, including housing and employment; provide adequate social and financial support to families of persons with mental health 7.8. conditions to enable them to cope with the stress and pressure of supporting their loved ones.
2 Resolution 2292 (2019)1 Provisional version Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of the Russian Federation Parliamentary Assembly 1.
The Parliamentary Assembly takes note of the presentation of credentials by the Russian Federation, after adoption of Resolution 2277 (2019) and Recommendation 2153 (2019) “Role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future”, the decision of the Committee of Ministers of 18 May 2019, as well as Resolution 2287 (2019) “Strengthening the decision-making process of the Parliamentary Assembly concerning credentials and voting”.
On 25 June 2019, the still unratified credentials of the Russian delegation were challenged on the basis 2. of Rules 8.1 and 8.2 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly on the grounds that the military aggression by the Russian Federation in Eastern Ukraine, as well as its continued illegal annexation of Crimea, are in contradiction with the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No.

1) and with country’s obligations and commitments.

3.
The Assembly recalls its Resolution 1990 (2014) on the reconsideration on substantive grounds of the previously ratified credentials of the Russian Federation; Resolution 2034 (2015) on the challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation, and Resolution 2063 (2015) on the consideration of annulment of the previously ratified credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation (follow-up to paragraph 16 of Resolution 2034 (2015) in which it resolutely condemned the grave violations of international law committed by the Russian Federation with regard to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea.
The Assembly regrets the Russian Parliament’s decision to suspend co-operation with the Assembly 4. and not to submit the credentials of its delegation at the opening of parliamentary sessions in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and following the parliamentary elections in the Russian Federation in September 2016.

Similarly, the Assembly deplores the suspension, which has been in effect since July 2017, by the 5.
Russian Federation of the payment of its annual fees to the Council of Europe’s budget for which the Russian Federation is legally liable.

6.
6.

While regretting the lack of co-operation by the Russian Federation in the framework of the Assembly’s monitoring procedure, the Assembly expresses its concern over a number of exacerbating negative tendencies with regard to democracy, the rule of law and human rights, which are having an impact on the fulfilment of other commitments and obligations of the Russian Federation.
At the same time, it should be highlighted that the Assembly has always remained committed to 7. dialogue as a means of reaching lasting solutions, as illustrated by the aforementioned resolutions.

The Parliamentary Assembly constitutes the most important pan-European platform where political dialogue on the Assembly debate on 26 June 2019 (24th Sitting) (see Doc.

14922, report of the Committee on the Honouring of 1.
Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), rapporteur: Sir Roger Gale).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 26 June 2019 (24th Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2292 (2019) Russian Federation’s obligations under the Statute of the Council of Europe can take place with the participation of all those concerned and where the Russian delegation can be kept accountable on the basis of Council of Europe’s values and principles.

8.
The Assembly refers to its Resolution 2277 (2019) “The role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly: main challenges for the future”, which proposed to set up, in addition to existing procedures, a joint procedure of reaction which could be initiated by either the Assembly, the Committee of Ministers or the Secretary General of the Council of Europe “in order to strengthen the Organisation’s capacity to react more effectively in situations where member State violates its statutory obligations or does not respect the standards, fundamental principles and values upheld by the Council of Europe”.
In the light of the reaction of the Committee of Ministers expressed at its 129th ministerial session, the Assembly resolves to immediately start working on the establishment of such a joint mechanism which should be politically impartial and effective.

It should be made operational without delay.

9.


Furthermore, the Assembly notes that the Committee of Ministers “having regard to the importance of the elections of the Secretary General and of judges of the European Court of Human Rights, would welcome that delegations of all member States take part in the next June part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly”, as indicated in its decision taken at 129th ministerial session.

10.
10.

Consequently, the Assembly resolves to ratify the credentials of the Russian delegation.

In return, the Assembly calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil all recommendations included in 11.

Resolutions 1990 (2014), 2034 (2015) and 2063 (2015).

The Russian delegation must without any further delay return to co-operation with the Monitoring 12.

Committee and all other committees of the Assembly and engage in meaningful dialogue on the fulfilment of its commitments and obligations.
Access of Council of Europe’s monitoring representatives should be granted.

13.
Furthermore, the Assembly calls on the Russian authorities to: release the 24 Ukrainian sailors captured in the Kerch Strait on the charge of “illegally crossing 13.1. the border of the Russian Federation”; 13.2. immediately pay all fees due to the Council of Europe budget; 13.3. unconditionally and fully co-operate with the joint investigation team and the Dutch prosecution service in bringing these responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17 to justice; 13.4. take effective measures aimed at preventing violations of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, in particular in the Chechen Republic, and prosecute the perpetrators for acts committed in the past; 13.5. co-operate fully with the international community in the investigation of the murder of Boris Nemtsov; 13.6. co-operate fully with all human rights monitoring agencies, including enabling their complete and unfettered direct access to all locations in which Russia has operational activities.
14.

The Assembly expects that its clear offer of dialogue will be reciprocal and will lead to concrete results.

It invites its Monitoring Committee to present a report on the honouring of obligations and commitments by the Russian Federation at its earliest convenience but no later than the April 2020 part-session 2 Resolution 2293 (2019)1 Provisional version Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges Parliamentary Assembly 1.
Daphne Caruana Galizia, Malta’s best known and most widely-read investigative journalist, whose work focused on corruption amongst Maltese politicians and public officials, was assassinated by a car bomb close to her home on 16 October 2017.

The response of the international community was immediate.

Within the Council of Europe, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Secretary General and the Commissioner for Human Rights all called for a thorough investigation into the murder.
Ms Caruana Galizia’s murder and the continuing failure of the Maltese authorities to bring the suspected killers to trial or identify those who ordered her assassination raise serious questions about the rule of law in Malta.

Recalling the recent conclusions of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice 2.
Commission) and of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) concerning Malta, the Assembly notes the following: the Prime Minister of Malta is predominant in Malta’s constitutional arrangements, sitting at the 2.1. centre of political power, with extensive powers of appointment; 2.2. the Office of the Prime Minister has taken over responsibility for various areas of activity that present particular risks of money laundering, including online gaming, investment migration (“golden passports”) and regulation of financial services, including cryptocurrencies; 2.3. senior officials in the civil service are appointed by the Prime Minister, which is problematic from the perspective of checks and balances.
Large numbers of “persons of trust” are appointed to public posts through non-transparent procedures that provide for exceptions to merit-based appointments, which may be illegal, and is a danger to the quality of the civil service; 2.4.
Malta’s unicameral parliament consists of poorly remunerated part-time members, to many of whom (notably from the governing party) the government has given well-paid positions as contractors, as persons of trust or on public bodies, which – along with the fact that almost half of the governing party members are also ministers – contributes to the parliament as a whole failing to assure an effective control over the executive; 2.5. judges and magistrates are appointed by the Prime Minister, who exercises an unfettered discretion to choose from amongst formally qualified candidates and may even disregard the advice of the body established to determine whether candidates are qualified.
This allows for potential political influence, which is incompatible with judicial independence and the rule of law; 2.6. the Attorney General is appointed by the Prime Minister and both provides legal advice to the government and prosecutes criminal offences, which is problematic from the perspective of democratic checks and balances and the separation of powers; the recently proposed State Advocate Bill does not respond to all of the Venice Commission's 2.7. recommendations and is inadequate to reform the office of Attorney General; Assembly debate on 26 June 2019 (24th Sitting) (see Doc.
14906, report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and 1.

Human Rights, rapporteur: Mr Pieter Omtzigt).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 26 June 2019 (24th Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2293 (2019) 2.8. the Commissioner of Police is appointed and can be dismissed by the Prime Minister, who dismissed or saw resign four Commissioners between 2013 and 2016.
This contributes to a public perception that the police force is not politically neutral in the service of the State when enforcing the law and protecting citizens; 2.9. magisterial inquests as a means of investigating criminal offences improperly allow victims and alleged perpetrators of crimes to choose an avenue of investigation.
They are poorly co-ordinated with police investigations, take an inordinately long time and tend towards confusion, inefficiency and ineffectiveness; 2.10. the procedure for committing criminal cases to trial may be extremely slow, with serious consequences if it results in suspects being released on bail upon expiry of the preventive custody time limit; 2.11. the effectiveness of the office of Parliamentary Ombudsman is undermined by the government’s failure to provide information necessary for his work and the parliament’s failure to act on cases where public authorities have rejected his recommendations; the effectiveness of the office of Auditor General is undermined by a lack of means, resulting in 2.12. delays to important audits; the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, Malta’s specialist anti-money laundering body, has had 2.13. its authority and reputation damaged through its role in various recent scandals.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) found that the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit breached European Union anti- money laundering standards in a way that pointed to general and systemic shortcomings; 2.14. the office of Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, intended to prevent conflicts of interest among politicians and State officials, appears to lack the necessary means, including powers of investigation and sanction, to fulfil its role effectively; the Freedom of Information Act is undermined by many exceptions to the principle of access to 2.15. official documents, with the result that public authorities systematically obstruct requests for official documents and the transparency of the administration is not guaranteed; 2.16. the Protection of the Whistle-blower Act, although in many ways laudable, is undermined by a lack of protection for whistle-blowers who report to the media, by the role of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police in granting immunity to potential whistle-blowers and by the fact that the reporting channel for external whistle-blowers is the Cabinet Office; 2.17.
The Permanent Commission Against Corruption is structurally flawed, utterly ineffective in practice and could be abolished, providing other necessary reforms are introduced.
The Assembly notes that these fundamental weaknesses have allowed numerous major scandals to 3. arise and go unchecked in Malta in recent years, including the following: 3.1. the Panama Papers revelations concerning several senior government figures and their associates, which have still not been investigated, other than by a magisterial inquiry primarily into the Prime Minister and his wife, whose full results have not been made public; the Electrogas affair, in which the Energy Minister, Dr Konrad Mizzi, supervised a highly irregular 3.2. procedure whereby a major public contract was awarded to a consortium.
The consortium included the Azerbaijani State energy company, which also made large profits from a related contract to supply liquid natural gas at a price well above the market rate.

Another member of the consortium owned a secret Dubai company, 17 Black, that was expected to make large monthly payments to secret Panama companies owned by Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister.
17 Black received large sums of money from an Azerbaijani national and a company owned by a third member of the consortium.
Despite being officially informed about the case by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, the police have taken no action against Dr Mizzi or Mr Schembri; 3.3. the Egrant affair, in which, nine months after presenting a report said to exculpate the Prime Minister, the inquiring magistrate, who had been appointed by the Prime Minister, was promoted to judge by the same Prime Minister.
The Assembly calls on the Prime Minister to make good on his promise to publish the full inquiry report without further delay; 3.4. the Hillman affair, in which Mr Schembri was allegedly involved in money laundering with Adrian Hillman, then managing director of Allied Newspapers.
The police failed to act, despite a Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit report, and a magisterial inquiry is still ongoing two years later; 2 Resolution 2293 (2019) 3.5. the “golden passports” affair, in which Mr Schembri received €100 000 from his long-standing associate Brian Tonna, owner of the accountancy firm Nexia BT, an agent for “golden passport” applicants.

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit found that Mr Tonna had received this money from three applicants for golden passports.
The police have declined to investigate and a magisterial inquiry is still ongoing two years later; the Vitals Global Healthcare affair, in which the Health Minister, Dr Mizzi, awarded a major 3.6. hospitals contract to a consortium with no prior experience in the field and to which the government had allegedly promised the contract before the bidding process began.
Vitals Global Healthcare may have received as much as €150 million from the government, yet made negligible progress with promised investments in the hospitals, before being sold to a United States health-care company.
The Auditor General is currently investigating this affair; 3.7. the fact that Mr Tonna and his firm Nexia BT, who played key roles in the Panama Papers, Electrogas, Egrant, Hillman and “golden passports” affairs, both received numerous lucrative government contracts, including after Mr Tonna came under investigation.
The Accountancy Board has declined to take disciplinary action against them; 3.8. the role of Pilatus Bank, which was rapidly licenced by the Maltese Financial Services Authority (MFSA), leading to significant concerns on the part of the European Banking Authority; whose clients included mainly “politically exposed persons”, including Mr Schembri and companies owned by the daughters of the President of Azerbaijan; whose owner was connected to the Prime Minister and Mr Schembri, and was arrested by the United States authorities and charged with violating sanctions against Iran; and which was subsequently closed by the Maltese Financial Services Authority and the European Central Bank.
4.

The Assembly concludes that the rule of law in Malta is seriously undermined by the extreme weakness of its system of checks and balances.

Noting that individuals such as Dr Mizzi, Mr Schembri and Mr Tonna seem to enjoy impunity, under the personal protection of Prime Minister Muscat, for their involvement in the above affairs, the Assembly considers that recent events in Malta illustrate the serious damage that can result from its dysfunctional system.
Despite certain recent steps, Malta still needs fundamental, holistic reform, including subjecting the office of Prime Minister to effective checks and balances, ensuring judicial independence and strengthening law enforcement and other rule of law bodies.

Malta’s weaknesses are a source of vulnerability for all of Europe: Maltese citizenship is European Union citizenship, a Maltese visa is a Schengen visa, and a Maltese bank gives access to the European banking system.
If Malta cannot or will not correct its weaknesses, European institutions must intervene.

5.

The Assembly therefore: 5.1. calls on Malta to implement as a matter of urgency the reform packages recommended by the Venice Commission and GRECO, in their entirety.
Reforms should be designed and implemented as a coherent, co-ordinated package, through an open, widely inclusive and transparent process; welcomes the Prime Minister’s initial pledge to implement all of the Venice Commission’s 5.2. recommendations and encourages him to take a similarly positive approach to those of GRECO; calls on the Maltese Government to publish a roadmap setting out substantive details of all 5.3. relevant reform proposals and to seek the opinion of the Venice Commission on it; encourages the Prime Minister to refrain from making further judicial appointments until the 5.4. procedure has been reformed in line with the Venice Commission’s recommendations; welcomes the Maltese authorities’ co-operation with the Council of Europe on reform of the 5.5. committal procedure; 5.6. urges the Maltese law-enforcement bodies to end the prevailing climate of impunity by robustly investigating and prosecuting those suspected of being involved in or benefiting from the scandals exposed by Daphne Caruana Galizia and her colleagues; 5.7. recalls that evidence is not a precondition for launching a criminal investigation, but its possible result.
To prevent impunity, investigations must be launched as soon as there is credible information, such as the Panama Papers, indicating that a criminal offence may have been committed.

6.

The Assembly considers that the weaknesses of the rule of law in general and the criminal justice system in particular are also directly relevant to its analysis of the authorities’ response to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
It recalls that 18 months after they were brought to court, the three men suspected 3 Resolution 2293 (2019) of killing Ms Caruana Galizia have still not been put on trial.

The custody time limit expires in two months, after which they will have to be released.

No-one has been arrested for ordering the assassination.

A magisterial inquiry is still ongoing, with no news on its progress.

7.

The Assembly notes a series of serious concerns over the investigation into the murder, including: 7.1.
7.2. the need to recuse a series of magistrates from various roles because of conflicts of interest; the need to remove the investigating police officer because of a perceived conflict of interest; the Prime Minister’s decision to promote to judge the inquiring magistrate, thereby removing him 7.3. from the inquiry after months of work; 7.4. the failure of the authorities to request possible evidence from the German police; the failure of the police to interrogate Economy Minister Chris Cardona, despite claims that he 7.5. had had contacts with the suspects; the allegation that a police officer warned the suspects before they were arrested; false claims by the Minister of the Interior about progress in the investigation; inflammatory and misleading statements by persons close to the Prime Minister; the possibility that the Maltese security service may have had prior intelligence about the murder 7.6.
7.7.

7.8.

7.9. plot; 7.10. the Director of Europol’s complaint about co-operation with the Maltese police on the case.

8.

In these circumstances, the Assembly calls on Malta to establish at the earliest opportunity, within three months, an independent public inquiry in order to ensure fulfilment of its obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Assembly resolves to continue following developments in Malta in relation to the above issues and 9. encourages its Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) to address them in its periodic review of Malta.

4 Resolution 2294 (2019)1 Provisional version Ending violence against children: a Council of Europe contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Parliamentary Assembly 1.
The Parliamentary Assembly believes that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children is one of the most important goals of all.

It is also one of the top targets for which the contribution of the Council of Europe, the Assembly itself, as well as of member governments and parliaments, will prove to be the most valuable.
Ending violence against children should be a political priority: half of the world’s children suffer violence every year.

The economic costs of this violence are huge, estimated at 8% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it difficult, if not impossible, to reach many other important SDGs, such as the elimination of poverty.

However, the sheer scale of the ongoing epidemic of violence against children also makes it one of the most accessible and cost-effective ones to address.

2.
2.

The Assembly reiterates its commitment to contribute to accelerating the pace of the implementation of the SDGs towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, as decided in Resolution 2271 (2019) on strengthening co- operation with the United Nations in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
With reference to Resolution 2272 (2019) “Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: synergy needed on the part of all stakeholders, from parliaments to local authorities”, the Assembly underlines the urgent need, in this context, to strengthen the role of national parliaments and local and regional authorities in implementing and monitoring the progress on achieving SDGs.

3.
3.

The Council of Europe, including the Assembly itself, has prioritised the fight to end violence against children for over a decade, and has developed ground-breaking binding standards and norms; it has monitored their implementation and provided guidance, support and capacity building in ensuring their efficient application.

It has also provided a unique multi-stakeholder platform for exchange of good practices and co-operation, data collection and awareness raising.
While plenty of work remains to be done, the Council of Europe has built up a host of connected, mobilised and politically influential bodies and institutions which reach right down to the local level, civil society and children themselves, as a driver for positive change.

4.
4.

The Council of Europe is thus well placed to support States in addressing the challenges which hinder accelerated progress towards ending violence against children: a lack of reliable and comparable data, problems of co-ordination and clashing strategic priorities at both national and international levels, unhealthy attitudes towards children as independent rights-holders, and lack of funding.
The Assembly thus encourages all States, as well as the United Nations, to derive the maximum benefit from the Council of Europe’s expertise and experience with a view to addressing these challenges.

5.

The Assembly believes that it is clear that violence against children is perpetrated by the powerful against those lacking power.

Perpetrators are mainly male and mainly known to the child victims.

Some children are particularly vulnerable.


To end violence against children, power structures, attitudes and the law Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (25th and 26th Sittings) (see Doc.

14894, report of the Committee on Social 1.

Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Baroness Doreen Massey).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).

See also Recommendation 2159 (2019).


F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2294 (2019) will have to change.

The Assembly thus reiterates its recommendations contained in Resolution 2056 (2015) on the inclusion of children’s rights in national constitutions as an essential component of effective national child policies.

6.
The Assembly thus recommends that Council of Europe member States make combating violence against children a national priority and ensure that structures are in place to effectively combat violence against children by providing: 6.1. sufficient allocation of budgets to deliver results and to implement prevention strategies; high quality services in education, health, social services and child justice provided by 6.2. professionals who receive continuous training on evolving forms of violence in different settings which: 6.2.1. put a particular focus on adequate and timely support for child victims of violence; 6.2.2. take concrete steps to prevent peer-to-peer violence; structures and funding for local authorities to provide these services, monitor their effectiveness 6.3. and improve practice; consultation, at local level, with communities, including children, on the quality, appropriateness 6.4. and impact of these services; 6.5. a national action plan on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and an integrated national strategy on addressing violence against children which is based on a multidimensional and multi- stakeholder approach (involving parliaments, local and regional authorities, civil society and children themselves), as promoted by the Council of Europe Policy guidelines on integrated national strategies for the protection of children from violence (Recommendation CM/Rec(2009)10); 6.6. full implementation of the relevant Council of Europe conventions, as State parties to them: 6.6.1.
Abuse (CETS No.

201, “Lanzarote Convention”); the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual 6.6.2. the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No.

197); 6.6.3.

Violence (CETS No.

210, “Istanbul Convention”); the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic 6.6.4. the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS No.

185, “Budapest Convention”).

7.


The Assembly encourages Council of Europe member States to increase, where necessary, levels of funding and resources to poorer countries in order to provide support for programmes to combat violence against children worldwide.
It also encourages member States to step up action and support to end violence against children in the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, making SDG Target 16.2 a top priority, and to report on the relevant work of the Council of Europe in their reporting on its implementation.

The Assembly calls on national parliaments to step up their involvement in the implementation and 8. monitoring of SDG Target 16.2 by: 8.1.

8.2.
8.2.

8.3. holding annual evidence-based debates on ending violence against children; setting up a permanent child rights committee; introducing “child budgeting” principles into their budgetary processes; networking across parliaments regionally and globally, including in co-operation with the Inter- 8.4. parliamentary Union and civil society organisations.

2 Resolution 2295 (2019)1 Provisional version Stop violence against, and exploitation of, migrant children Parliamentary Assembly 1.
Amongst the migrants arriving in Europe since 2015, many are children, and many of them are unaccompanied.

Children migrate to escape violence, armed conflict, persecution, ravages of climate change and natural disasters, as well as poverty.

Many young migrants set out to find opportunities for work or education.
In other cases, children leave home to avoid the threats of forced marriage, female genital mutilation or gender-based violence (in the case of girls) or forced military conscription (regarding boys).

2.
2.

The Parliamentary Assembly is very concerned about the serious threats that migrant children face on their way to Europe, and important gaps in the policies and procedures, which limit the legal opportunities for migration in Europe and put these children at risk of falling into the hands of smugglers and traffickers.
After arriving in Europe, migrant children can also be subject to abuse in detention centres or transit zones, sexual assault and violence, or be forced to live on the streets in order to avoid deportation, especially if they entered a European country illegally.

They are also at risk of being sexually exploited by criminal gangs engaging in human trafficking, or of being exploited as undocumented workers.

They also often face discrimination and xenophobia in host countries.

3.
3.

The Assembly recalls its Recommendation 2117 (2017) and Resolution 2195 (2017) on child-friendly age assessment for unaccompanied children, Resolution 2136 (2016) on harmonising the protection of unaccompanied minors in Europe, Resolution 2128 (2016) on violence against migrants and Resolution 2174 (2017) on the human rights implications of the European response to transit migration across the Mediterranean, which raised specific issues related to the violation of the rights of migrant children.
It regrets that a number of European signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child continue to violate their obligations by not providing adequate protection to migrant children and not safeguarding their rights.

4.
4.

The member States of the Council of Europe must abide by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which includes prioritising the child’s best interests and ensuring that a best interests determination procedure is legislated and implemented for each migrant child.

5.
5.

The Assembly underlines that local and regional authorities bear a major responsibility in providing necessary protection to migrant children at places of arrival and ensuring access to their rights and child- friendly procedures, as highlighted in Resolution 428 (2018) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

6.
6.

The Assembly reiterates its position condemning violent practices such as detaining migrant children and using invasive methods in age-assessment procedures, which may have devastating effects on the child’s physical, emotional and psychological development.

It welcomes the activities of the Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children in promoting alternatives to immigration detention and encouraging a holistic approach to age assessment.
Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (25th and 26th Sittings) (see Doc.

14905, report of the Committee on Migration, 1.

Refugees and Displaced Persons, rapporteur: Ms Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir; and Doc.

14919, opinion of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Ms Sevinj Fataliyeva).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).

See also Recommendation 2160 (2019).


F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2295 (2019) 7.

The Assembly is convinced that there is a need for a common strategy to be adopted by the governments of the member States of the Council of Europe on how to combat violence against migrant children in all its forms and to ensure the broad and comprehensive protection of their human rights.
Such a strategy should include proposals on how to ensure safe and legal entry for migrant children from third States to limit the risk of trafficking and abuse.
The Assembly urges the Council of Europe member States in order to prevent all cases of violence 8. against migrant children by: 8.1. as regards legislative measures: creating channels for safe, legal and regular migration, such as flexible, prompt and 8.1.1. effective family reunification procedures, increasing the quota for migrants’ resettlement and the granting of humanitarian visas, thereby strengthening safeguards for children and their family members; ensuring the compliance of national legislation with international standards for the 8.1.2. protection of migrant children, in particular prohibiting their detention and ensuring the best interests of the child and their right to participate in decisions affecting them; 8.1.3. supporting the development of alternatives to detention of migrant children – such as foster care and supervised independent living with reporting obligations – and the setting out of a clear roadmap to end the practice of detention of children in a migration context; 8.1.4. providing legal safeguards for migrant children regarding their access to asylum procedures and guarantees that children are provided with child-friendly and age-appropriate information about asylum possibilities and other rights; 8.1.5. ensuring that national legislation provides protection for migrant children from all forms of exploitation and provides child victims of exploitation and violence with the status of victims of crime; 8.1.6. ensuring that national legislation prohibits invasive age-assessment practices; 8.1.7. against them are introduced; ensuring that mechanisms allowing migrant children to denounce violence committed 8.1.8. ensuring that national legislation incorporates the principle of the child’s best interests and that a best interests determination procedure is legislated and implemented for each migrant child; 8.1.9. for those parliaments of the member States which have not yet done so, signing and ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Council of Europe Conventions on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No.
196) and on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (ETS No.
201, “Lanzarote Convention”); 8.2. as regards policy implementation: 8.2.1. refraining from push-back practices in particular in relation to migrant children; 8.2.2. allocating necessary resources in the national budgets to the protection of migrant children and the provision of child-friendly services, including the training, education and capacity building of child protection professionals; 8.2.3. incorporating gender awareness in national responses to asylum-seeking children; 8.2.4. providing special training for law-enforcement and immigration officers, and border guards on international humanitarian law and the main international standards on the treatment of migrant children; 8.2.5. governmental programmes aimed at the prevention of violence against these children; involving non-governmental organisations working with migrant children in 8.2.6. putting in place specific policies in order to achieve full inclusion of migrant children in the host country’s society, and to prevent any form of discrimination or marginalisation that could result in violence and abuse; 2 Resolution 2295 (2019) 8.2.7. promoting joint projects between national law-enforcement authorities, Interpol and Europol on the identification of organised crime and human trafficking networks involved in the exploitation and abuse of migrant children; 8.2.8. of violence and abuse, addressing their mental and physical health issues; adopting proactive and inclusive strategies towards migrant children who were victims 8.2.9. friendly information in the child’s native language; creating asylum units specialised in assisting migrant children and providing child- 8.2.10. risk of being exposed to violence and exploitation; training local child protection networks in identifying and following migrant children at 8.3. as regards public opinion, strengthening support for better protection of migrant children against violence through public debate, awareness-raising campaigns and education on human rights-based perspectives on migration.
9.

The Assembly invites the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the European Union and Europol, to develop a unified registration system of unaccompanied migrant children entering Europe, with the aim of safeguarding their rights and duties.
The Assembly urges the European Parliament to review the European Union’s targeted support and 10. outsourcing of migration management to third countries, from the perspective of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with a view to protecting migrant children from inhuman and degrading treatment, violence and exploitation.

3 Resolution 2296 (2019)1 Provisional version Post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria Parliamentary Assembly 1.

Bulgaria joined the Council of Europe in 1992.


It was subject to the full monitoring procedure until 2000.
The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 1211 (2000) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Bulgaria, in which it decided to close the monitoring procedure and to open a post-monitoring dialogue on a number of outstanding concerns and on any other issue arising from the obligations incumbent upon every State of the Council of Europe under Article 3 of the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No.

1) with regard to democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

2.
2.

Furthermore, the Assembly refers to its Resolution 1915 (2013) on post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria, in which it recognised the important progress achieved by Bulgaria in terms of the crucial reforms and legislative framework put in place since the closure of the monitoring procedure, and in particular since Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union in 2007, as confirmed by the annual European Commission reports prepared under the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism.

3.
3.

The Assembly commends the Bulgarian authorities for demonstrating their sustained political will and commitment to achieve the full accomplishment of their obligations, as confirmed by their continued co- operation with Council of Europe monitoring mechanisms, legal experts and the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).

4.

The Assembly welcomes Bulgaria’s substantial progress towards establishing judicial independence, in line with the Assembly’s recommendations.
Overall, the reforms of 2015-2018 to the Judicial System Act and subsequent regulations with regard to the functioning of the Supreme Judicial Council and the judiciary as a whole have constituted a major step towards full accomplishment of Bulgaria’s commitments and obligations in this field.

5.
5.

The division of the Supreme Judicial Council into chambers of judges and prosecutors independently exercising appointment and disciplinary powers with regard to the judges, prosecutors and investigating magistrates has addressed long-standing concerns formulated by the Assembly and the Venice Commission.

The procedure of election of members of the Supreme Judicial Council has been significantly improved 6. in line with Assembly recommendations.
The Assembly notes with satisfaction that since its election in 2017, the Supreme Judicial Council has appointed a number of heads of judicial bodies following a transparent procedure and not giving rise to controversy.

7.
7.

The Assembly’s long-standing concerns relating to the deficiencies in the system of appraisals and career development of magistrates were addressed by the adoption by the Supreme Judicial Council, in 2016, of the Regulation of the Indicators, the Methodology and the Procedure for Appraisal of a Judge, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of a Court and, in 2017, of the Regulation of the Competitions of the Magistrates and on the Election of Administrative Heads in Judicial Bodies.
Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting) (see Doc.

14904, report of the Committee on the Honouring of 1.

Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), co-rapporteurs: Mr Frank Schwabe and Mr Zsolt Németh).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2296 (2019) 8.
The Assembly notes with satisfaction that its recommendations relating to the distribution of the workload and the question of delays have been dealt with in a satisfactory way by the establishment of a single, effective system of random, nationwide allocation of cases and clear criteria for the assessment of the complexity of cases and their impact on the distribution of the workload.
Complementary measures introduced to redistribute the workload of the busiest courts, including the Court of Sofia, are also to be commended.

The Assembly commends the authorities for the establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council 9.

Inspectorate tasked with increasing accountability of the judiciary and, in particular, with the prevention of corruption within the judiciary, and disciplinary proceedings.

10.
10.

The Assembly recognises that the 2017 amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal Code have, in general, been in line with the Assembly’s recommendations and notes with satisfaction that they addressed the delays in criminal proceedings and enabled better enforcement of sentences.

11.
11.

With regard to high-level corruption and organised crime, the Assembly welcomes the adoption by the Bulgarian Parliament, in January 2018, of a new Anti-corruption and Forfeiture of Assets Act, in line with its earlier recommendations.
The law establishes a new unified anti-corruption agency which is in charge of verifying the absence of conflicts of interest and the private assets of high officials, investigating allegations of corruption, establishing safeguards for the prevention of corruption and setting up procedures for the seizure and confiscation of illicit assets.

12.
12.

The Assembly notes with satisfaction that the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) concerning incrimination have been implemented satisfactorily.

Moreover, it welcomes the fact that Bulgaria has invested considerable resources in the training and awareness-raising of a large number of judges, prosecutors and law-enforcement officers on issues pertaining to bribery and trading in influence and the criminalisation of non-material advantages.

13.
13.

Furthermore, the Parliament of Bulgaria is to be commended for the introduction of specific measures to fight corruption at parliamentary level, which follow GRECO’s recommendations; in particular the parliamentary Rules of Procedure were amended in 2016 with a view to ensuring transparency in the legislative process.

14.
14.

With regard to the Electoral Code, the Assembly welcomes the series of amendments introduced between 2014 and 2016 which addressed a number of concerns formulated by the Venice Commission in 2013 and 2014, improving, inter alia, campaign finance provisions and their oversight, voter registration and provisions on media coverage.
The Assembly recognises the progress accomplished in Bulgaria with regard to the implementation of 15. judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in connection with the excessive length of judicial proceedings and the lack of effective remedy in that regard.

Progress has also been noted in implementing the groups of cases relating to poor conditions of detention and to ill-treatment by law-enforcement officials.
The Assembly commends Bulgaria for the adoption, following the recommendation of the European 16.

Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), of amendments to the Law on Executing Punishments and Arrests in 2017.

The changes addressed material conditions, regimes, early release and judicial control over the prison administration; furthermore, the Assembly recognises that significant progress has been made in recent years to improve prison conditions.
17.

With regard to the Roma minority, the Assembly acknowledges that a number of programmes, strategies and action plans have been adopted in recent years to improve the situation of Roma, including the National Roma Integration Strategy (2012-2020) which resulted, inter alia, in an increase in the number of Roma with higher education, including university education.

18.
While the overall progress in the fulfilment of Bulgaria’s commitments and obligations is not questioned, a number of outstanding concerns still exist, in particular: 18.1. in the field of the judiciary: 18.1.1. although the reform of the structure and functioning of the Supreme Judicial Council has addressed the majority of the Assembly’s concerns, its composition does not fully comply with Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)12 on “Judges: independence, efficiency and responsibilities”, which specifies that “not less than half the members of such councils should be judges chosen by their peers from all levels of the judiciary”.
In the present 2 Resolution 2296 (2019) Supreme Judicial Council, judges chosen by their peers constitute six out of 25 members.
This parameter raises some concern as the plenary Supreme Judicial Council still keeps some important powers vis-à-vis the judiciary; 18.1.2. the degree to which prosecutors, and the Prosecutor General in particular, are still involved in the governance of judges within the Supreme Judicial Council is perceived by the Venice Commission as a concern; 18.1.3. of the five-year probationary period for judges has not been addressed; the Assembly’s long-standing recommendation concerning the abolition or shortening 18.1.4. some concerns have been raised about the extensive disciplinary powers of the Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council, particularly in the light of the present method of election of its members.
Regrettably, the Venice Commission’s recommendations for the nomination and dismissal of inspectors and on the division of competences between the Inspectorate and the Supreme Judicial Council have not been followed; 18.1.5. important legislative initiatives are not subject to broad public debate and all stakeholders are not sufficiently consulted.
It should be stressed that the sustainability and irreversibility of reforms lies, inter alia, in a properly conducted legislative process involving all stakeholders and broad public debate; 18.2. with regard to high-level corruption: 18.2.1. while the establishment of a new unified anti-corruption agency constitutes a positive development, a key challenge will be to effectively manage the broad remit of its responsibilities, including prevention, investigation and assets forfeiture.
The final criteria of its efficiency will be the number of cases brought to the courts and number of convictions delivered.

The ongoing investigation into the scandal of purchases of luxury properties at favourable prices by senior politicians and officials may be perceived as a litmus paper test of the authorities’ sincerity in combating corruption; 18.2.2.
GRECO’s recommendation to establish clear, objective and transparent criteria with regard to supplementary remuneration within the judiciary has not been fulfilled.
There is still a worrying practice whereby court presidents use their discretion in awarding year-end bonuses to judges under their responsibility and allegations that this has been used to secure loyalties in the courts; 18.3. with regard to media: freedom the situation concerning media 18.3.1. in Bulgaria has been deteriorating systematically over recent years, the main concerns being concentration of ownership and lack of transparency, political interference in the media, State influence over media outlets exerted through the advertising budgets of European Union operational programmes and intimidation of and violence against journalists.
The Assembly regrets the lack of appropriate data on media ownership.

The Assembly commends the adoption of appropriate legislation on transparency of media ownership which reflects Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)1 on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership.
Violence against journalists must be met with decisive, prompt condemnation and thorough investigation by the Bulgarian authorities; 18.4. with regard to human rights: 18.4.1. while the Assembly welcomes the important changes to the Penal Code of 16 January 2019 and notes that according to the CPT there has been a slight improvement with regard to the treatment of people in police custody, especially as regards the severity of alleged ill- treatment since 2015, it regrets, however, the absence of any real progress in the application of safeguards against ill-treatment, namely the right to notify detention to a third party, the right of access to a lawyer and to a doctor and the right to be informed about the above-mentioned rights; 18.4.2. racist and intolerant hate speech in political discourse targeting Roma, Muslims, Jews, Turks and Macedonians continues to be a serious problem in Bulgaria.
Serious efforts need to be made on the part of the Bulgarian authorities to systematically and unconditionally condemn hate speech, including by following the recommendations of the latest report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) on Bulgaria; 3 Resolution 2296 (2019) 18.4.3. despite the Bulgarian authorities’ efforts, the situation of the Roma population has not tangibly improved.
Roma representatives are excluded from the democratic process, they do not make use of any democratic instruments already in place and are not present at any level of the decision-making processes.

There is no meaningful dialogue between the Roma representatives and the authorities.

Their material and social situation is in general very poor and discrimination in the labour market remains an obstacle for integration.
The recent flare-up of inter-ethnic violence by ethnic Bulgarians against Roma in Gabrovo, which included the demolition and setting on fire of houses belonging to Roma, exemplifies the magnitude of this problem; 18.4.4. the Macedonian minority is not recognised by the Bulgarian authorities as such due to the strict application of formal criteria, although this group has repeatedly expressed its wish to benefit from the protection of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (ETS No.
157); 18.4.5.

Bulgaria has signed (in 2016) but not yet ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (STCE No.

210, “Istanbul Convention”), which is deeply regrettable.
While the recently adopted amendments to the Penal Code providing for additional legal protection against domestic violence and violence against women constitute a step in the right direction, they must be followed by the provision of adequate resources, including in the fields of education and prevention, as well as psychological support, which would enable real protection of victims.

19.
19.

In conclusion, the Assembly recognises that Bulgaria has made substantial progress since the adoption of the last report on the post-monitoring dialogue in 2013.

It has partly introduced legislation which, with several exceptions, complies with Council of Europe standards and has addressed several concerns formulated by the Assembly and other Council of Europe monitoring mechanisms.
However, the question of sustainability and irreversibility of the reforms as well as efficiency of measures aimed at combating high-level corruption remain subject to proper implementation of the legislation.

20.

Regrettably, due to a period of political instability from 2013 to 2016 and repeated elections, a number of reforms were the subject of hasty legislative procedure in 2016 and 2017 without proper consultation or involvement of all stakeholders.
It remains to be seen whether they will bring about sustainable improvements.

The present political situation, marked, since February 2019, by the boycott of the parliament by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) may have a negative impact on progress and may weaken democratic processes in the country.

The Assembly notes that in order to ensure sustainability and irreversibility of reforms, some steps, 21. including, where relevant, legislative changes, still need to be undertaken.
Against this background, the Assembly resolves to continue a post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria 22. and to assess, in June 2020, the progress made in the following areas: the judiciary: Bulgaria should demonstrate that the remarkable steps taken towards a better 22.1. judicial system are sustainable and effective; 22.2. high-level corruption: the new anti-corruption agency started operating just a few months ago.
In the next months, tangible progress in the fight against high-level corruption needs to be seen.

This has so far not been visible; the media: a main challenge is the transparency of media ownership.

Bulgaria has to take 22.3. legislative steps to guarantee this transparency; 22.4. human rights of minorities: Bulgaria must improve the integration of Roma and other minority groups.
The rights of refugees have to be fully respected according to European standards; 22.5. hate speech: hate speech should not be a matter of political discussion.

Members of the government especially have a particular obligation in this respect; 22.6. violence against women: the Assembly calls on Bulgaria to make every possible effort to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

4 Resolution 2297 (2019)1 Provisional version Shedding light on the murder of Boris Nemtsov Parliamentary Assembly 1.
Boris Nemtsov, an internationally renowned leader and figurehead of the political opposition, former deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, former Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, former Regional Governor of Nizhny Novgorod and a member of the Yaroslavskaya regional parliament, was shot dead in Moscow on 27 February 2015.
The Parliamentary Assembly remains profoundly shocked by this brutal assassination, which took place on the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge, right next to the Kremlin, one of the most heavily protected and monitored locations in the country.

2.

The Assembly notes that within days, five suspects had been arrested and a sixth had been killed during an operation to arrest him.
Two of the suspects – Zaur Dadayev, the gunman, and Anzor Gubashev, the getaway driver – confessed under interrogation to their parts in the murder.

The five suspects were tried by a jury before the Moscow district military court.

In June 2017, they were convicted of murdering Mr Nemtsov in return for a payment of 15 million roubles made by Ruslan Mukhudinov, a Chechen army driver.

They were sentenced to between 11 and 20 years' imprisonment and each fined 100 000 roubles.
Their appeals against conviction were dismissed but their appeals against sentence led to the lifting of the fines.

3.

The Assembly considers that various aspects of the investigation and the prosecution's case give rise to serious concerns as to the independence and effectiveness of the authorities' efforts to identify and prosecute all the participants in the crime, including its instigators and organisers.
These aspects include the following: 3.1. the suspects were detained on 5 and 6 March 2015, yet the information by which they were supposedly identified seems not to have been analysed until later.

Russian media reported information on the shell casings and on the probable origins of the suspects, consistent with evidence presented at trial, before the dates on which the case files indicate this information was known to the investigators.
This seems to indicate that another investigation was conducted by other bodies, whilst the role of the official investigators might have been limited to recording results obtained by the other bodies after the fact; 3.2. the Federal Protection Service (FSO), responsible for security in the Kremlin, claimed to have no video evidence showing the scene of the murder, despite its having taken place in the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin; 3.3. no video evidence was obtained from street or traffic surveillance cameras, from the central CCTV video storage facility, or from the garbage truck or the three public transport vehicles that crossed the bridge around the time of the murder.
No forensic evidence at all was obtained from another garbage truck that passed Mr Nemtsov at the moment he was shot, despite its proximity to the murder; 3.4. many vehicles and individuals that can be seen on the video released by the TVTs television channel were not identified and located.

This includes two women who were seen speaking to Mr Nemtsov's companion at the scene, shortly after the murder; Assembly debate on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting) (see Doc.
14902, report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and 1.

Human Rights, rapporteur: Mr Emanuelis Zingeris).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2019 (26th Sitting).

F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2297 (2019) 3.5.
Mr Dadayev and Mr Gubashev retracted their confessions, stating that they had been made under torture, for which there is independent evidence; 3.6. following the murder, the Russian authorities and sources close to them advanced a series of speculations as to the motives for the murder, ranging from “provocations” intended to foment unrest in Russia, variously attributed to the political opposition itself, the Ukrainian security service and “western spy agencies”, to personal motives relating to Mr Nemtsov's private life; 3.7. the motive eventually attributed to Mr Mukhudinov – that he was seeking retribution for Mr Nemtsov's comments in support of the murdered Charlie Hebdo journalists – was unsupported by any evidence and was inconsistent with evidence that Mr Nemtsov had been followed since before those murders took place by the car that was used as a getaway vehicle after the murder.
Nor was there any explanation as to how Mr Mukhudinov had obtained the money to pay the killers; 3.8.

Mr Mukhudinov and the officer for whom he drove, Ruslan Geremeyev, to whom Mr Dadayev had apparently referred in his statement, were not arrested and remain at large.

The case against Mr Mukhudinov and other “unidentified individuals” was severed from the case against the five suspects and does not seem to have been actively pursued; 3.9.
Mr Dadayev is the former second-in-command and, along with Mr Mukhudinov, still a serving member of the Sever battalion of Russian Ministry of the Interior troops in Chechnya.

The Sever battalion was led by Alibek Delimkhanov, brother of Adam Delimkhanov, a member of the Russian State Duma and one of the closest confidents of Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic.

Ruslan Geremeyev was the nephew of Suleyman Geremeyev, a member of the Russian Council of the Federation.
The Russian interior ministry troops are led by Victor Zolotov, a close confident of both Ramzan Kadyrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It is extremely unlikely that Mr Dadayev and Mr Mukhudinov, being so closely connected to the highest levels of military and political authority in Chechnya, could or would have staged a complex operation to murder a prominent political personality in public in central Moscow without at least the foreknowledge and approval of, if not direct instructions from, their hierarchical superiors.
With the exception of Alibek Delimkhanov, the trial judge refused all of the Nemtsov family's lawyers' requests that these persons be interrogated; 3.10. despite Mr Nemtsov's long and distinguished political career, his continuing high public profile and his ongoing political activities at the time of his death, including the organisation of a major opposition rally in Moscow the following day and the preparation of a report on Russia's then unacknowledged military intervention in Ukraine, the judge (and the Supreme Court, on appeal) refused the Nemtsov family's lawyers' request that the defendants be charged with the aggravated offence of an attack on the life of a State or public figure under Article 277 of the Criminal Code, which is not subject to any statute of limitations.
4.

In addition, the Assembly notes a series of significant inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence given by crucial witnesses, including Sergei Budnikov, the driver of the garbage truck, Evgeniy Molodykh, who approached Mr Nemtsov's body shortly after the shooting, and Anna Duritskaya, Mr Nemtsov's companion on the night of the murder.

It also notes that Ms Duritskaya did not sign her witness statement.
Mr Budnikov and Mr Molodykh appeared unexpectedly to give evidence at trial, the prosecution having previously claimed that they could not be located.

Ms Duritskaya did not give evidence, having returned to Ukraine and been refused permission by the judge to testify by video-link.

5.
The Assembly further notes a series of irregularities, inconsistencies and implausibilities in the forensic evidence relating to the bullets and shell casings that were recovered and the injuries suffered by Mr Nemtsov, including: the crime scene record does not indicate the precise locations of Mr Nemtsov's body, the shell 5.1. casings and the bullets that were recovered at the scene; 5.2. the ambulance crew that arrived first on the scene reported four shell casings close to the body, whereas the crime scene record mentions only one close to the body, with four others in various more distant locations; the authorities claimed that there was no video recording of the crime scene, yet other evidence 5.3. shows a man filming the scene; 5.4. the TVTs video showed that the person taken to be Mr Dadayev would have had to fire three shots, then (according to his own testimony) change his position, then fire another two or three shots, all within 2.4 seconds; 2 Resolution 2297 (2019) two of the shell casings bore one manufacturer's mark, with damage in one place; whereas the 5.5. other four bore another manufacturer's mark, with damage in another place; 5.6. four of the shots struck Mr Nemtsov from behind and one from the front; two of the shots from behind had an upwards trajectory, one followed a level trajectory and the fourth had an unexplained downwards trajectory; there were metallic particles in one of the wounds but not the others; and traces were found on Mr Nemtsov's coat suggesting shots from close range, yet Mr Dadayev claimed to have fired from five metres away; 5.7. the forensic medical experts accounted for the inconsistencies by postulating that the shots fell into two distinct groups, possibly distinguished by the use of two different guns, implying two gunmen.
The Federal Security Service’s ballistics study, which lacked details that could have allowed critical analysis of its results, concluded that only one weapon had been used.

The trial judge refused to order a further ballistics study.

6.
The Assembly also notes a series of irregularities in the conduct of the trial, including: the judge refused to allow questioning of potentially relevant witnesses from the Chechen 6.1. leadership, as mentioned above; the judge attempted to impose a second lawyer on one of the defendants, against his objections 6.2. and those of his lawyers and despite the reluctance of the proposed second lawyer; 6.3. there were reportedly threats and attacks against one of the defendant's lawyers following his suggestion that President Putin be called as a witness.
This lawyer has since fled Russia, claiming to fear for this safety; 6.4. the judge consistently favoured the prosecution, including by allowing presentation of inadmissible evidence tending to discredit certain defendants and frequent interrupting the defence when it was presenting evidence or addressing the jury, and by interrupting the defence himself; the judge dismissed a juror on spurious grounds following her repeated requests to see certain 6.5. evidence that had not been presented by the prosecution; the judge dismissed several other jurors on weak grounds, including shortly before the jury 6.6. retired to deliberate.
7.

The Assembly notes that the above matters have led to various alternative theories of the case being put forward.

These include the Nemtsov family's lawyers' view that higher levels of authority in Chechnya must have at least known and probably in fact ordered the murder.

Other theories suggest that the Chechen defendants formed part of a wider plot involving the FSB, and that another, non-Chechen individual fired a second set of shots at Mr Nemtsov.
One theory suggests that the FSB alone was responsible for Mr Nemtsov's murder, with no Chechen involvement at all.

It is not the Assembly's role to investigate and determine who killed Boris Nemtsov.
It is clear, however, 8. that the official version, as reflected in the verdict, is based on a severely flawed investigation and trial and, insofar as it limits the chain of responsibility to the convicted defendants, along with Mr Mukhudinov and “unidentified others”, is inconsistent with the available evidence on numerous fundamental points.

These inadequacies allow for alternative versions that the authorities have refused to explore, yet which are far more consistent with the available evidence.
This reinforces the conclusion that all relevant aspects of the case have not been examined and the full truth has not been revealed.
The Assembly therefore calls on the Russian authorities to reopen and continue their investigation of 9. the murder, including by taking the following steps: 9.1. identifying locations and feeds of all cameras located near the crime scene, including on the bridge and facing the bridge, and determining whether the cameras located on the Kremlin Wall were directed towards the crime scene on the bridge; 9.2. analysing the already obtained dashcam videos and obtaining and analysing dashcam videos taken from other vehicles on or near the bridge at or around the time of the murder, including the garbage truck and public transport vehicles visible on the TVTs video; reassessing whether the central State database of video surveillance contains any footage of 9.3. the bridge; 9.4. reassessing whether FSO cameras captured footage of events on or around the bridge; 3 Resolution 2297 (2019) 9.5. making use of all available technical means, including image-enhancement software, to re- examine all available video evidence, including GORMOST, TVTs, GUM and dashcam recordings, with a view to identifying vehicles and persons approaching, on or exiting the bridge; identifying, locating and questioning all persons on the bridge at or around the time of the 9.6. murder, notably those visible on the TVTs video; identify, locating and questioning the drivers and passengers of the five vehicles whose make 9.7. and model are already known; 9.8. in addition to those drivers and passengers already interviewed, identifying all other vehicles on or near the bridge at or around the time of the murder and tracing and questioning their drivers and any passengers; 9.9. analysing the available traffic camera screen shot showing several vehicles exiting the bridge immediately after the murder, locating all available video recordings of these vehicles and interviewing their drivers; 9.10. analysing all mobile phone activity on or around the bridge, using the existing data, in order to identify and question the persons concerned; 9.11. locating the
 video recording of the crime scene that is shown being made in the TVTs video; 9.12. conducting a further forensic ballistic study in order to evaluate properly the conclusions of the forensic medical experts that the shots fired at Mr Nemtsov fell into two distinct groups, possibly from two different guns; 9.13. conducting a forensic reconstruction of the shooting in order to determine the feasibility of Mr Nemtsov having been shot by a single attacker, consistently with the video and other medical and forensic evidence, including the above-mentioned further ballistic study; re-examining the video of the convicted defendants' Moscow apartment, cross-referencing 9.14. against other evidence in order to clarify the time at which recorded events occurred; interrogating the various Chechen and Russian officials named by the Nemtsov family's 9.15. lawyers', in order to advance with the investigation into who ordered the murder; reclassifying the murder under Article 277 of the Criminal Code, so as to ensure that the statute 9.16. of limitations cannot prevent charges being brought in future against other possible suspects.
10.

The Assembly considers that General Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, and Deputy Prosecutor General Victor Grin bear particular responsibility for the failure of the investigation and the lack of credibility of the prosecution case, as presented in the indictment.

The Assembly deeply regrets that the Russian authorities have refused to co-operate with its 11. rapporteur.

12.
12.

The Assembly invites all member and observer States of the Council of Europe and partners for democracy to take every opportunity to remind the Russian authorities of the need to identify and prosecute all participants in the murder of Boris Nemtsov, including the instigators and organisers of this crime.

13.
13.

The Assembly further invites all member and observer States and partners for democracy that have adopted “Magnitsky laws” in line with Resolution 2252 (2019) “Sergei Magnitsky and beyond – fighting impunity by targeted sanctions” to consider including in the list of persons subjected to targeted sanctions those responsible for the failure to take the necessary investigative measures and objective court procedures required to identify the instigators and organisers of the murder of Boris Nemtsov.
The Assembly invites the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities to encourage 14. local authorities to consider paying tribute to Boris Nemtsov.

4 Resolution 2298 (2019)1 Provisional version Situation in Syria: prospects for a political solution?

Parliamentary Assembly 1.

Eight years after it started, the war in Syria has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has faced since the Second World War.
It continues to have devastating consequences for the Syrian people and has so far claimed over 400 000 lives and driven some 11.7 million to flee their homes, including over 5.6 million to seek refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond.
The conflict is not only having a destabilising impact on the Middle East and the Arab World, but also on 2. the European continent, notably through: the exacerbation of political and sectarian differences within Syria; the involvement of international actors pushing their own interests and adding to the complexity of the conflict; the growth of Daesh and other violent terrorist groups, which also led to the foreign fighters phenomenon and the challenges arising when they return to their countries of origin.
3.
Since the political process has now reached a critical stage, the Parliamentary Assembly urges the international community to unite and engage in serious efforts to reach a common agreement without further delay, and to support the efforts of the newly appointed United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Geir O. Pedersen, with a view to setting up a constitutional committee, as a necessary mechanism of political transition towards peace and stability, based on the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).
4.

The Assembly is extremely alarmed about the situation of the 13 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance, of which one third live in areas that cannot be accessed from inside Syria, including 2 million internally displaced persons in the so-called Idlib de-escalation zone.
While welcoming the progress made in taking back areas of Syria from Daesh and other terrorist 5. groups, the Assembly urges all parties involved in military operations against them to: 5.1. take all necessary precautions to avoid harm to the thousands of civilians who are trapped in the middle of air strikes and ground fighting, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law; 5.2. maintain de-escalation in the agreed demilitarised zone and protect civilians.

6.
The Assembly welcomes the progress made in the negotiations by the former United Nations Special Envoy for Syria and the international community, including within the Astana framework, and urges all parties to the conflict to: reinforce the ceasefire in all areas of the country, allow humanitarian convoys to proceed, and 6.1. facilitate safe, rapid, unhindered and sustained humanitarian assistance; 6.2. mobilise financing for immediate, life-saving needs in support of the Syrian people, and particularly children, including to ensure respect of their rights to life, adequate food, shelter and medical care; Assembly debate on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting) (see Doc.
14889, report of the Committee on Political Affairs and 1.

Democracy, rapporteur: Ms Theodora Bakoyannis).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting).
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2298 (2019) 6.3. continue to take steps, consistent with international law, to prevent and suppress the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to Daesh and other terrorist groups, as determined by the United Nations Security Council, also in line with Resolution 2091 (2016) and Recommendation 2084 (2016) on foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq; 6.4. create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons, in compliance with internationally accepted human rights and humanitarian law norms and standards, relating to housing, land and property rights.
The Assembly also urges Council of Europe member States to repatriate captured foreign fighters, and 7. their families, who fought with Daesh in Syria, and to bring them to trial.

The Assembly fully supports the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian 8.

Arab Republic in line with UN Security Council Resolutions and the Sochi Final Statement.

9.
Furthermore, the Assembly urges all parties to adhere to the peace roadmap, in line with the Syrian-led political process, under the auspices of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, and seize the current opportunity to find lasting peace, by: 9.1. making progress on the establishment of a legitimate, credible, diverse and balanced constitutional committee to draft a constitutional reform, as a contribution to the political settlement and the establishment of a democratic post-war Syria, in line with the Sochi final statement of 30 January 2018; 9.2. ensuring that the constitutional committee allows for the inclusive participation of political opposition and of civil society, including delegates representing Syrian experts, non-governmental organisations, tribal leaders and a minimum of 30% of women, as proposed by the United Nations and supported by members of the Syrian Women Advisory Board and in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security.
10.

The Assembly considers that the Council of Europe could contribute to the efforts of the United Nations, bearing in mind its expertise in institutional matters and the objectives set by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).

The constitutional committee could avail itself of the experience and expertise of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) in the future constitutional reform process.

11.
11.

Accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law, human rights violations, particularly the persecution of religious and ethnic communities, war crimes and crimes against humanity is central to achieving sustainable peace in Syria and facilitating a national reconciliation process and transitional justice.
Therefore, the Assembly: 11.1. calls on all parties to the conflict, in particular the Syrian Government, Council of Europe member and observer States and States whose parliaments enjoy observer or partner for democracy status with the Parliamentary Assembly, civil society and the whole international community to co- operate fully with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, set up by the United Nations General Assembly, in particular by providing relevant information and documentation; 11.2. calls for the situation in Syria, including the crimes against humanity or even possible genocide committed by Daesh, to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the United Nations Security Council, based on article 13(b) of the Rome Statute of the ICC.
Deeply concerned about the latest allegation of a chemical attack in Aleppo on 24 November 2018, the 12.
Assembly: 12.1. condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by anyone, under any circumstances, stressing that any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable and contravenes international norms and standards, including the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, ratified by 192 States including Syria; 12.2. deems it imperative to ensure that those responsible for the use of chemical weapons are identified and held accountable, and fully supports the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
2 Resolution 2298 (2019) 13.

Furthermore, the Assembly stresses that the Syrian refugee crisis is the responsibility not only of neighbouring States and of Europe, but of the whole international community.
It expresses its deep appreciation for the significant efforts that have been made by neighbouring countries Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq and to accommodate Syrian refugees, and in line with Resolution 2224 (2018) on the humanitarian situation of refugees in the countries neighbouring Syria, reiterates its call on Council of Europe member States to: 13.1. step up financial contributions to the United Nations Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan, to satisfy funding requirements to support national efforts in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq; 13.2. achieve more effective sharing of responsibility through the implementation of resettlement programmes and other forms of legal admission of refugees from the region to their countries; 13.3. use all available diplomatic means to encourage fairer responsibility sharing with non-European Union countries.
Finally, the Assembly fully shares the goal of the United Nations to end the suffering of the Syrian 14. people and find a sustainable and peaceful solution to the conflict through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that leads to the establishment of a multi-ethnic society that includes all religious and ethnic groups in Syria and meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
3 Resolution 2299 (2019)1 Provisional version Pushback policies and practice in Council of Europe member States Parliamentary Assembly 1.

To control and manage migration flows, Council of Europe member States concentrate much of their efforts on guarding frontiers.

In this context, refusals of entry and expulsions without any individual assessment of protection needs have become a documented phenomenon at Europe’s borders, as well as on the territory of member States further inland.
As these practices are widespread, and in some countries systematic, those “pushbacks” can be considered as part of national policies rather than incidental actions.

The highest risk attached to pushbacks is the risk of refoulement, meaning that a person is sent back to a place where they might face persecution in the sense of the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, or inhuman or degrading treatment in the sense of the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No.
5, “the Convention”).

2.

This is why the European Court of Human Rights, for instance in its judgment Hirsi Jamaa v. Italy (Application No.

27765/09) but also in N.D and N.T v. Spain (Applications Nos.

8675/15 and 8697/15) requires an individual assessment of protection needs and of the safety of a return in order to prevent violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and of the prohibition of collective expulsions as enshrined in Article 4 of Protocol No.
4 to the Convention (ETS No.

46).

Pushbacks take place in particular at European Union borders, which is at least in part a consequence of the shortcomings of the current Dublin Regulation and of the failure of attempts to introduce fair responsibility-sharing in Europe.

3.
3.

Pushbacks often take place where migrants attempt to enter the territory of a member State in large numbers because the passage is, or appears to be, more “open” than elsewhere, or is geographically close to the countries of origin of asylum seekers.

However, recent evidence of pushbacks shows that they also take place where numbers of arrivals are low, but where national policies are hostile towards migration in general.
There are also cases of “multiple pushbacks” where migrants are expelled by various countries successively.

4.

The Parliamentary Assembly is concerned about the persistent and increasing practice and policies of pushbacks, which are in clear violation of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including the right to asylum and the right to protection against refoulement, which are at the core of international refugee and human rights law.
In the face of the gravity of human rights violations involved, the Assembly urges member States to provide adequate protection to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants arriving at their borders, and thus refrain from any pushbacks, to allow for independent monitoring and to fully investigate all allegations of pushbacks.

5.
5.

The Assembly is extremely worried about persistent reports and evidence of inhuman and degrading treatment by member States and their agencies in the framework of those pushbacks, through intimidation, taking or destroying migrants’ belongings, and even through the use of violence and depriving migrants of food and basic services.
In their denial of carrying out pushbacks, these types of (sometimes systematic) inhuman and degrading treatment are denied as well, and therefore not adequately examined or not examined at all.

Assembly debate on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting) (see Doc.

14909, report of the Committee on Migration, Refugees 1. and Displaced Persons, rapporteur: Ms Tineke Strik).

Text adopted by the Assembly on 28 June 2019 (27th Sitting).

See also Recommendation 2161 (2019).


F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex | assembly@coe.int | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | assembly.coe.int http://assembly.coe.int Resolution 2299 (2019) 6.
The Assembly therefore calls on Council of Europe member States to comply with their international obligations in this regard, in particular those set out in the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the prohibition of collective expulsion and inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as the right of access to asylum procedures and the prohibition of refoulement as established in the United Nations Refugee Convention.
Reported pushbacks concern actions towards migrants who have clearly crossed the border and find 7. themselves inland, but also towards migrants who are present near or at the border, attempting to cross it.

A significant number of them had attempted or envisaged submitting an asylum claim.

The most important negative consequence of pushbacks is the vulnerable position of the victims.
The denial of access to a proper asylum procedure implies that they run the risk of being returned to, or stranded in, another country where they do not have access to proper asylum procedures either, which puts them at risk of being refouled to yet another country (so-called “chain refoulement”).

Pushbacks can, however, also lead to direct persecution or inhuman or degrading treatment in the country they are returned to, or from which they cannot escape.
The core obligations of asylum and international law are meant to prevent this from happening.

The consequence of member States’ refusal to address reported cases of pushbacks is that those practices continue, depriving victims of the right to an effective remedy and to hold authorities accountable for human rights violations.

8.

In order to avoid responsibility, member States increasingly make attempts to prevent migrants from crossing their border and to keep them out of their jurisdiction.
To this end, frontline States in particular conclude agreements with their neighbouring country, which is requested and paid to prevent migrants from leaving their territory.

These actions of neighbouring countries, often referred to as “pull-backs”, may hamper access to protection for asylum seekers stranded in that country if a sufficient protection system is lacking.
In cases of a clear connection between such bilateral co-operation, lack of access to asylum and other human rights violations, the member State requesting pull-backs is also responsible for those violations.

9.

To abandon all types of pushbacks, member States should respond actively and adequately to every signal or evidence of their occurrence.
Instead, however, in an increasing number of countries there is a tendency to refuse independent examination of serious allegations, to simply deny them or even to accuse, stigmatise and even criminalise non-governmental organisations (NGOs), human rights defenders and civil society actors who work to assist migrants in gaining access to asylum procedures and protection.
In reporting and attempting to investigate pushbacks and related human rights violations, NGOs are frequently blamed and negatively framed for “interference”, despite their role as key actors in facilitating migrants’ access to rights and to justice.

10.
10.

In this regard, the Assembly calls on Council of Europe member States to respect the role of NGOs and human rights defenders in conformity with their commitments, for instance as set out in Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe.

11.
The Assembly also recalls its recent adopted texts, including its Resolution 2073 (2015) and Recommendation 2078 (2015) “Countries of transit: meeting new migration and asylum challenges” and Resolution 2228 (2018) and Recommendation 2136 (2018) “The human rights impact of the ‘external dimension’ of European Union asylum and migration policy: out of sight, out of rights?”, as well as the June 2018 urgent debate on the obligation to save lives at sea, which points to the crucial work of NGOs in the Mediterranean Sea and the need to allow them to pursue their life-saving operations.
The Assembly also refers to statements made by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights on the increasing administrative obstacles confronting human rights defenders.

12.
In the light of the above, the Parliamentary Assembly urges member States: 12.1. with respect to border controls, to 12.1.1. refrain from any measure or policy leading to pushbacks or collective expulsions, as they lead to a violation of the core rights of international asylum law, notably the right to asylum, the right to be protected against refoulement and the right to access an asylum procedure; 12.1.2. basic needs such as food, water, housing and emergency health care; refrain from any type of violence against migrants and measures depriving them of their 12.1.3. ensure independent and sustainable monitoring of border control activities, which is essential in putting an end to (violent) pushback action, by granting independent bodies and NGOs access to all border areas, by granting independent bodies access to all border surveillance material, and by effectively addressing reports and complaints by migrants and NGOs, ensuring sufficient independence; 2 Resolution 2299 (2019) 12.1.4. combine the investigation of incidents with protective measures for alleged victims pending enquiries.
Prevention measures must be introduced against informal forced return procedures, including standardised procedures at borders and clear rules of conduct; 12.1.5. encourage and support legal research as well as research journalism and reliable information from recognised reputable international and non-governmental organisations as a means of correctly informing the public, rather than relying on unsubstantiated reports, hearsay and misinformation.
Satellite and digital data enable registration of cases which require investigation by official and impartial bodies; 12.1.6. comply with judgments of national courts and of the European Court on Human Rights, including their interim measures, in relation to pushbacks and refusing access to asylum and even to an asylum procedure, and to follow up recommendations of national independent bodies such as Ombudspersons; 12.1.7. introduce and/or improve police training programmes, emphasising that border protection and surveillance must be carried out in full compliance with international obligations to respect individual rights to protection, to information, to legal assistance and not to be detained arbitrarily; 12.2. with respect to services at borders, to: 12.2.1. increase the means given to border services in order for them to be in a position to provide adequate services to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants arriving at national borders, whatever their status and pending the implementation of appropriate procedures; 12.2.2. ensure the provision at borders of information for migrants on their legal position, including on their right to apply for international protection (as enshrined in Article 8 of the Asylum Procedures Directive) in languages they can understand, including oral interpretation (if necessary using the possibilities of distant interpretation using services available on the internet), taking into account the special difficulties of vulnerable persons such as children and traumatised and illiterate people; 12.2.3. ensure the provision of interpretation at borders and throughout reception and medical examinations, registration and asylum processing, and to immediately cease any practices consisting in obliging migrants to sign documents they do not comprehend, which could lead them to believe they are signing asylum applications when the documents concern deportation; 12.3. concerning legal assistance, to 12.3.1. ensure migrants’ access to the possibility of making a claim for protection at borders, to obtain legal aid as well as accessible and comprehensible information regarding their legal rights, taking into account the special circumstances of vulnerable persons; 12.3.2. allow NGOs to provide assistance at places where human rights violations are reported (in particular in transit zones and along borders); 12.4. concerning medical and psychological assistance, to: 12.4.1. provide adequate access to medical services and health care are at borders as well as immediately after transportation to reception centres, ensuring a permanent presence of medical staff, taking into account the special needs of vulnerable persons, such as children, traumatised persons and pregnant women; 12.4.2. be verified objectively; in this framework, enable formal testimonies of physical violence by border officials to 12.4.3. give access to psychological support for asylum seekers, especially children, who often suffer from multiple trauma on arrival in Europe.
The psychologists working with NGOs should be involved as partners in providing support, in view of the extensive experience and expertise of international NGO networks working with migrants; 12.5. concerning NGOs, to: 12.5.1. consider NGOs as partners and refrain from action that undermines their legitimate activities aimed at saving human lives; 3 Resolution 2299 (2019) 12.5.2. refrain from using stigmatising rhetoric against NGOs assisting migrants, and refrain from taking any measures criminalising, stigmatising or putting at any disadvantage individuals and NGOs providing humanitarian assistance to, and defending the rights of, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; the authorities are thereby invited to restore an enabling environment conducive to their work; investigate allegations of infractions by NGOs of national laws and regulations before 12.5.3. independent courts for adjudication and sanctions, which should only be applied in proven cases, respecting the principle of proportionality and founded on a clear legal basis.
13.

When implementing the assistance, services, policies and procedures set out above in sub-paragraphs 12.1 to 12.4, member States should ensure that these are gender-sensitive and that special vulnerability of women and girls is duly taken into account.

They should also ensure that legally binding standards, namely the Council of Europe Convention on the Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No.
210), the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No.

197) and the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No.

201) are fully known to all those concerned by the arrival of migrants and that they implement them at all stages of the process.

14.
14.

With respect to co-operation between countries on border management, the Assembly urges member States not to conclude agreements on retaining migrants on one side of national borders which put their lives and human rights in danger by obliging them to stay in places where living conditions are inhuman, services practically inexistent or in situations of arbitrary detention, and where they are deprived of the right to (seek) asylum and the right to be protected against refoulement.

15.
15.

The Parliamentary Assembly once again urges member States, especially members of the European Union and the Schengen area, to improve mechanisms for relocation, which are key in reducing the pressure on Europe’s bordering countries and avoiding overcrowding, unnecessary detention and unacceptable reception conditions for asylum seekers.
At the same time and for the same reason, more priority should be given to the integration of protected persons, including the granting of legal status on other grounds, generalising best practices from countries with proven success in this process.

16.

The Assembly urges all European Union member States to refrain from any pushbacks or complicity on pull-backs at their external or internal borders.
In line with their obligations under the recast Asylum Procedures Directive and guidance provided by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), they must proactively inform migrants arriving at their external borders of the possibility to make an application for international protection and ensure access to legal assistance and representation.
NGOs providing counselling and legal assistance must be given access to border crossing points and detention facilities at the border and to migrants held there.

17.

The Assembly urges Frontex to strengthen its internal reporting mechanism on human rights violations occurring during Frontex-led or co-ordinated operations.
In case of violations of human rights or international protection obligations that are serious or likely to persist, the agency’s Executive Director should suspend or terminate such operations, in line with Article 25(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1624 of 14 September 2016 on the European Border and Coast Guard.
Reiterating the Frontex Consultative Forum’s recommendation, the Parliamentary Assembly urges Frontex to immediately suspend its operations at the Hungarian–Serbian border in light of the systematic violations of human rights in the transit zones as confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights in its judgment Ilias and Ahmed v. Hungary.

18.
18.

Finally, the Assembly urges the European Commission to: 18.1. ensure that member States immediately halt practices and policies of pushbacks and collective expulsions by responding actively and effectively to violations of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 4 of Protocol No.
4 to the Convention and Article 33 of the United Nations Refugee Convention, as well as the European Union asylum acquis, and by investigating allegations of unlawful actions by member States; 18.2. establish a systematic, independent and transparent monitoring mechanism of compliance of border management policies and practice with the relevant provisions in the European Union asylum acquis, Articles 18 and 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Schengen Borders Code and the European Union Returns Directive, and launch infringement procedures where necessary; 18.3. define guidelines on how to reconcile border control with safeguarding access to protection, and assist member States in implementing these guidelines; 4 link human rights-related requirements to the use of European Union funding related to asylum, 18.4. migration and border management and monitor the compliant use of this funding by member States.
Resolution 2299 (2019) 5 Communication Division Division de la communication 22/06/2019 10:30 PACE Summer Session (24-28 June 2019) Official side-events Monday 24 June 2019 2.30–3.30 pm Room 3, Palais Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination Exchange of views on “The situation of LGBTI persons in Europe”, with the participation of: • Morten Ruud, Vice-Chairperson of the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) • Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe 2.30–3.30 pm Room 8, Palais Sub-Committee on Integration (of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons) Hearing on follow-up to PACE Resolution 2214 (2018) on “Humanitarian needs and rights of internally displaced persons in Europe” in the context of the report being prepared by Killion Munyama (Poland, EPP/CD), with the participation of: • Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Minister and Deputy Chairperson, State Committee on Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan • Gülden Plümer Kücük (Turkish Cypriot Member), Leonidas Pantelides (Greek Cypriot Member) and Paul-Henri Arni, United Nations Member, Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (via videolink) • Vitaliy Nabukhotny, Lawyer, Regional Centre for Human Rights, Kyiv, Ukraine 2.30–3.30 pm Room 9, Palais Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy Exchange of views on “Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism” in the context of the report being prepared by Marietta Karamanli (France, SOC) • with the participation of Francis Eustache, Director of the “Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory” Unit, Training and Research Centre in Health (PFRS), France in the presence of Nawel Rafik-Elmrin, Deputy to the Mayor of Strasbourg • Tuesday 25 June 2019 8–10 am Restaurant Bleu, Palais Hearing on “Promoting child participation in and through the Parliamentary Assembly” Sub-Committee on Children (of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development) in the context of the report being prepared by Baroness Doreen Massey (United Kingdom, SOC) entitled “Giving a voice to
 every child: promoting child participation as a foundation for democratic societies”, with the participation of children and Mieke Schuurman, Senior Policy and Advocacy Co-ordinator on children's rights and child participation, Eurochild 8.30–10 am Room 8, Palais Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Exchange of views on “The protection of victims of forced displacement under international law” in the context of the report being prepared by Fabien Gouttefarde (France, NR), with the participation of: • Pascal Brice, former Director General of the French Agency for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA), judge at the Cour des Comptes (Court of Auditors) of France • Yves Pascouau, Schengen Chair at Nantes University and Executive Director of the NGO “European Migration Law” 8.30–10 am Room 10, Palais Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights Hearing on “The continuing need to restore human rights and the rule of law in the North Caucasus region” in the context of the report being prepared by Frank Schwabe (Germany, SOC), with the participation of: • Joanna Evans, Barrister, Legal Director, European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) • School of Law, Middlesex University, United Kingdom • Rebecca Gowland, Associate Professor (Reader) in Human Bioarchaeology, • • Department of Archaeology, Durham University, United Kingdom Tim Thompson, Professor of Applied Biological Anthropology and Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) School of Science, Engineering & Design, Teesside University, United Kingdom Fredrik Sundberg, Head of Department Ad Interim, Department for the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, Directorate General 1 – Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe 2–3.30 pm Room 3, Palais Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination Exchange of views on “Preventing and combating sexism” with the participation of: • Charles Ramsden, Chair of the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) on Recommendation
 CM/Rec (2019)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on preventing and combating sexism, and on the implementation by member States of the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 2–3.30 pm Room 6, Palais Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media Exchange of views on “Time to act: Europe’s political response to fighting the manipulation of sports competitions” in the context of the report being prepared by Roland Rino Büchel (Switzerland, ALDE), with the participation of: • Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe • Philippe Vlaemminck, Partner of Pharumlegal (Brussels), Belgian Government representative in gambling cases at the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) and the Court of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (via videolink) • Christian Kalb, CEO of CK Consulting, France 2 Wednesday 26 June 2019 Final conference of the Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children with the participation of: • Pierre-Alain Fridez (Switzerland, SOC), General Rapporteur on the Parliamentary Campaign to End Immigration Detention of Children • Doris Fiala (Switzerland, ALDE), Chairperson of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons and former General Rapporteur on the Parliamentary Campaign • Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe • Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Member of the European Parliament, Coordinator on Children’s Rights • Stella Kyriakides (Cyprus, EPP/CD), Member of the Committee on Migration and Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Children, Committee on Social Affairs • Christophe Poirel, Director of Human Rights Directorate, Council of Europe • Regina Jensdottir, Head of Children’s Rights Division and Coordinator on the rights of the child, Council of Europe • Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir (Iceland, UEL), Rapporteur on “Stop violence and • exploitation of migrant children” Livia Stoica Becht, Secretary to the Ad hoc Committee for the
 Rights of the Child (CAHENF), Council of Europe • Mikaël Poutiers, Secretary to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Committee), Council of Europe Hearing on “Addressing sexual violence against children: stepping up action and co-operation in Europe” the context of in the (United Kingdom,SOC), with the participation of: report being prepared by Baroness Doreen Massey • Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography • Gioia Scappucci, Executive Secretary of the Lanzarote Committee (Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse) Tineke Sonck, Co-founder of the Belgian Voices in Sport Foundation • 1–3 pm Room 5, Palais Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons 2.15–3.30 pm Room 7, Palais Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development 2.45–3.30 pm Room 3, Palais Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination and No Hate Parliamentary Alliance Hearing on “Discrimination against Roma and Travellers in the field of housing” in the context of the report being prepared by František Kopřiva (Czech Republic, ALDE), with the participation of: • Marie Pichault, Centre de Médiation des Gens du voyage et des Roms, Belgium • Martin Collins, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, Ireland • Adrian Jones, National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups, United Kingdom 3 Joint hearing on “Concerted action on human trafficking” in the context of the report being prepared by Vernon Coaker (United Kingdom, SOC), with the participation of: • Davor Derenčinović, Chairperson, Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) of the Council of Europe, Croatia • Annabel Canzian, Lawyer, Committee Against Modern Slavery (CCEM), Paris • Odette Herijgers, medical doctor, Advocacy for Refugee Rights in Greece, Eindhoven,
 Netherlands Hearing on “Human rights and business – what follow-up to Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec (2016)3?” in the context of the report being prepared by Elshad Hasanov (Azerbaijan, FDG), with the participation of: • Jo Reyes, Director, Global Business Initiative on Human Rights (GBI), United Kingdom • Claire Methven O’Brien, Chief Adviser, Human Rights and Business, The Danish Institute for Human Rights, Copenhagen, Denmark • Anita Ramasastry, member of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, Roland L. Hjorth Professor of Law, and Director of the Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development at the University of Washington School of Law, United States (via video conference) Presentation ceremony of the European Diploma with the participation of the mayors of the winning towns Thursday 27 June 2019 8.30–10 am Room 3, Palais Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons and Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination 8.30–10 am Room 10, Palais Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights 2.30–4 pm Room 5, Palais Sub-committee on the Europe Prize (of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development) Note: This list includes non-plenary events organised by the Assembly / its committees, and open to the press.
It may be subject to last- minute changes.

4 N.B.

These meetings are not organised by the Parliamentary Assembly or its bodies.

They remain under the full responsibility of the PACE members sponsoring the meeting.

For any further questions, please see the contact persons listed below.
Unofficial meetings sponsored by PACE members PACE Session (24-28 June 2019) 20 June 2019 DATE PLACE TIME TITLE SPONSORS CONTACT PERSONS 24/06/2019 5 1.30-2.30 pm Kremlin comeback is a threat to Council of Europe and European security: widespread, systematic and ongoing violations of the rights protected by the European Convention, resulting from Russia’s aggression in Georgia and Ukraine Egidijus Vareikis (Lithuania, EPP/CD) 25/06/2019 5 1-2 pm Humanitarian case of two Azerbaijani civilians: Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev 25/06/2019 9 1-2 pm The Silje Garmo Case – Poland grants asylum to a fleeing mother and baby faced with Norway’s Child Protection Services Ulviyye Aghayeva (Azerbaijan, FDG) Pavlo Unhurian (Ukraine, EPP/CD) 25/06/2019 14 1-2 pm Post-elections scenarios in Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Kazakhstan : between political uncertainty and regime consolidation Roberto Rampi (Italy, SOC) 26/06/2019 3 1-2 pm Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and the rule of law, in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges George Foulkes (United Kingdom, SOC) 26/06/2019 11 1-2 pm New challenges and ongoing reform in Azerbaijan 26/06/2019 14 1-2 pm Consequences and threats of Russian Policy of Imposition of Citizenship and Deportation on the human rights situation in Crimea 27/06/2019 11 1-2 pm The need to shed light on the background of the murder of Boris Nemtsov Samad Seyidov (Azerbaijan, EC) Serhiy Sobolev (Ukraine, EPP/CD) Emanuelis Zingeris (Lithuania, EPP/CD) Maria Tomak (coordinator of Media Initiative for Human Rights & Ukrainian Helsinki Human Right Union) tomak.maria@gmail.com Emin Mammadov Delegation Secretary emin.mammadov@meclis.gov.az +994 124928920 Denise O’Hara EPP/CD Group Secretariat Denise.ohara@coe.int +33 (0)388412676 Paola Gaffurini Open Dialogue Foundation paola.gaffurini@odfoundation.eu +32 (0)2 280 11 15 Rebecca Vincent Reporters without borders (RSF) UK Bureau Director rvincent@rsf.org +44 (0)20 7324 8903 Emin Mammadov Delegation Secretary emin.mammadov@meclis.gov.az +994 124928920 Iaroslav Zhydenko Delegation deputy secretary +380 44 255 20 79 zhydenko@v.rada.gov.ua Emanuelis Zingeris Member of the Lithuanian delegation +370 5 239 60 08 Emanuelis.zingeris@lrs.lt 27/06/2019 14 1-2 pm Empowering women: a criticism of contraception Pavlo Unhurian (Ukraine, EPP/CD) Denise O’Hara EPP/CD Group Secretariat Denise.ohara@coe.int +33 (0)388412676 This information is available on the website of the Parliamentary Assembly under the heading “the session”, together with the applicable guidelines on the organisation of such meetings.
European Conservatives European Conservative Group Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Madame President, Strasbourg, June 27th 2019 Despite our many warnings, which you ignored, the return of the Russian Federation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has brought so far no joy nor glory for us.
Seven national parliamentary delegations have announced to “substantially reconsider the participation in the work of PACE” and today Mr. Slutsky, Deputy-Leader to the Delegation of the Russian Federation to PACE, made the following statement to the Russian media: “By voting on the amendments [on Crimea] to the report now adopted, which, by a qualified two- thirds majority of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, were obliviated, in fact, the first significant step was made to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia by the Council of Europe Member States" (courtesy translation attached) In the absence of a strong and public statement from your part one might assume that this was part of the promises you made to Mr. Slutsky during the private meeting you had with him in Geneva earlier this month.
Madame President, you are obviously entitled to your personal views on the Russian Federation, but as President of our Assembly it is your duty to all Europeans to promote Human Rights, Democracy and dare I say: the Rule of Law.
The last bit has not been your strongest point this week, by violating our Rules and Procedures on several occasions when you took the long-expected Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Council of Europe singlehanded off the agenda and when Russian Members were allowed to vote for the Secretary General after you already had declared the vote was closed.
I expect your early and constructive reply as soon as possible where you could strongly condemn the statements made by Mr. Slutsky and reiterate to all National Delegations the official position of the Council of Europe in regard to Crimea: “The Council of Europe strongly condemns the annexation, which constitutes a violation of international law and cannot form the basis for any alteration of the status, and reiterates the commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” You may also remind the Russian Federation of the Committee of Ministers’ call for full and unrestricted access to the Crimean Peninsula for all human rights bodies of the Council of Europe which should be able to carry out their monitoring activities unimpeded to urgently address deteriorations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Yours sincerely, Ian Liddell-Grainger President European Conservatives To: Mrs. Maury-Pasquier President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Cc: Mrs. Pejčinović Burić Secretary General-elect of the Council of Europe Heads of National Delegations to PACE https://tass.ru/politika/6597430 COURTESY TRANSLATION Slutsky called PACE decision on the Russian delegation return a first step forwards the recognition of the Crimea as a part of Russia Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs considers this decision as very important MOSCOW, June 26.
/ Tass /.

The voting results of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in the summer session, which approved the Russian delegation credentials in the Assembly, is a landmark step in recognizing Crimea as a part of Russia.

This opinion was expressed by the head of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Leonid Slutsky, to the TV channel "Russia-1".
"By voting on the amendments [on Crimea] to the report now adopted, which, by a qualified two-thirds majority of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, were obliviated, in fact, the first significant step was made to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia by the Council of Europe Member States," he said.

«It is very important.» As it was previously reported, 116 parliamentarians voted in favour of the document, 62 against, 15 abstained.
All proposed sanctions-amendments to the document were rejected.

The work of the Russian delegation in PACE «The Russian delegation to PACE will work in very difficult conditions, there will be attacks on it, but eventually the anti-Russian rhetoric will be weakening,» Slutsky added.

“The participation of the Russian delegation in PACE, of course, will not be easy.

It will, frankly, be difficult.
There will be attacks by aggressive minority and provocations,” Slutsky said, also allowing preparation of “unreasonable reports with intentionally anti- Russian orientation.” "But this will be decreasing, compressing if our PACE-colleagues will see not some kind of virtual Russia, but real Russia, a lively parliamentary delegation represented by selected people who can convince, who know how to receive and convey the truth about our country, about the foreign policy line of the Russian president, about our domestic policy," the deputy added.