Back Venice Commission adopts opinions for Armenia and the Republic of Moldova

Venice Commission adopts opinions for Armenia and the Republic of Moldova

On 18 and 19 June 2020, the European Commission of Democracy through Law (the “Venice Commission”) has adopted two opinions prepared under the PGG Quick response Mechanism through a written procedure:
 

As well as the Amicus curiae brief for the Constitutional Court of Armenia relating to Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code.

In its opinion on Armenia, the Venice Commission clarified the scope of the Constitutional Court's review in the framework of the process of amending the Constitution and acknowledged the National Assembly's power to revoke its own decision calling for a referendum. “The Opinion of the Venice Commission adopted on June 19th and made public today makes it possible to solve the problems that have been in the center of the constitutional crisis between the Armenian National Assembly and the Constitutional Court", said Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe in a press release.

In its amicus curiae brief, on comparative law with respect to Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, which penalises overthrowing the constitutional order. the Venice Commission addressed specific questions concerning the concepts of constitutional order, overthrowing the constitutional order, usurpation of power and their definitions in the legal systems under review and the judicial interpretation of these concepts, as well as European standards pertaining to the requirement of legal certainty and existing best practice in this field.

The preparation of these texts was funded through the Quick Response Mechanism of PGG, a tool by which the Venice Commission may provide ad-hoc legal advice to respond to requests for legislative analysis and related assistance from the concerned countries or the European Commission.

  More information and full text opinions adopted on the Venice Commission website.

 Read full press release : The constitutional crisis in Armenia can be solved with the Venice Commission’s guidance, says Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Strasbourg 18-19 June 2020
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page
Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, 1-2 July 2024
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page
  • Imprimer en PDF
Addressing hate speech and hate crime: regional gathering of the network of Equality Bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership Region

A two-day workshop on addressing hate speech and hate crime took place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, involving Equality bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership regions.  The event supported by the EU and Council of Europe, gathered 50 representatives from both regions who discussed and exchanged on the best practices, measures and common challenges when addressing hate speech and hate crime. Through monitoring and reporting, policy advocacy, raising awareness and supporting victims equality bodies play a fundamental role in protecting human rights and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally.

In her opening remarks, Angela Longo, Head of Anti-discrimination Co-operation Unit, Council of Europe, underlined the significant progress in engaging with Equality Bodies through this network, regularly exchanging best practices and addressing the challenges of hatred and intolerance in societies. She highlighted that this new chapter of discussion delves into the grey area between hate speech and hate crime, addressing issues of incitement and biases,

Representatives from Equality Bodies had the opportunity to discuss and enhance their knowledge on the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Recommendation to member States on combating hate crime, adopted on 7th May 2024, as well as gain a clearer understanding of EU standards in the field of hate crime. Moreover, participants engaged in exchanges with peers from the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), who shared insights on addressing hate speech in the public discourse. The National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) in Italy provided practical examples for developing counter-narratives and raising awareness initiatives.

They also explored opportunities to advocate for legislative reform, foster multisectoral co-operation, enhance data collection, and overall improve national mechanisms to counter hate crimes.

This seminar was organised within the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans” and the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies” – co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe  under the joint Programmes “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and “Partnership for Good Governance”.

Follow us on social media