On 21 May 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in the 131st session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe held online. The Foreign Minister drew attention to the adverse impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the enjoyment of human rights, including in the conflict zones in Europe, and he also called on the Council of Europe to protect and promote human rights, democracy and rule of law.
Edgars Rinkēvičs pointed out that recent rulings of the European Court of Human Rights recognise that the Russian Federation exercises effective control in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as in the east of Ukraine. “I call on the Russian Federation to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in these territories. I reiterate Latvia’s firm support for Ukraine’s and Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders,” the Latvian Foreign Minister said, urging the Council of Europe to keep these matters high on the political agenda of the organisation.
“The Council of Europe is a values-based organization. It is important that we protect and promote human rights, democracy and rule of law,” the Foreign Minister underlined while calling on all members of the Council of Europe to uphold these principles.
Edgars Rinkēvičs reminded participants that detention of the Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, closing down of his offices and the violent suppression of his supporters who took part in peaceful protests, are alarming, and persistent calls on Russia to respect freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are being repeatedly ignored.
In conclusion, the Minister underlined that new technologies using artificial intelligence may create risks to human rights. “We have to be sufficiently ambitious in devising an appropriate legal framework for the protection of human rights in the context of technological development,” Minister Rinkēvičs said.
Background information
The Strasbourg- based Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and is one of the oldest political organisations in Europe, joining together 47 countries. The Council of Europe aims to create a common democratic and legal community in Europe by ensuring that its fundamental values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law – are respected and protected. Latvia became a member of the Council of Europe in 1995.
The Committee of Ministers convenes for its session annually in the country holding the Council of Europe’s chairmanship. The Latvian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is scheduled for 2023.