Reykjavík, 27 February 2023 (TDI): The Council of Europe (COE) is organizing its 4th Summit of Heads of States and Government on 16 and 17 May. The summit will be held under the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers in Reykjavik.
The decision to convene the summit was presented in a report by a High-level reflection group in October 2022. The group was comprised of the former President of Ireland; Mary Robinson, along with other senior political officials from across Europe.
A total of thirty recommendations were made by the group to respond effectively to new challenges faced by Europe. Ukraine issue was the highlight of the report.
It was recommended to double the investment in the organization’s core capabilities ranging from the furtherance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of the law.
Ukraine issue is set to take the center stage at the summit. Council will establish a record and proper documentation of deaths and destruction in Ukraine.
The Council will further gather evidence of loss and damage at the hand of Russia. Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrin Jakobsdottir, made a recommendation of discussing climate and technological changes.
These changes have impacted human rights severely. Iceland refers to itself as a champion of women, the environment, and children’s rights, thus urging urgent remedial measures.
Tiny Kox, the President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, put forward the agenda of reaffirming European unity around common values and a sustained commitment to multilateralism based on international law.
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There is a need to work in favor and interest of people and mainstream youth by increasing avenues of positive engagements for them.
Siofra O’Leary, President of the European Court of Human Rights emphasized absolute peace, stability, democratic values, and the rule of law.
She urged the member states to register their commitment to the Summit to allocate adequate resources for the smooth working of courts and judicial procedures.
The 4th Reykjavík summit is being dubbed as an important summit, providing opportunities for all member states to a binding resolution. The member states will commit to enhancing democratic security and tackling new threats to human rights.
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