NEWS

Vice-president Iliana Iotova Discussed the Fight against the Trampling on Human Rights with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

2019-11-28 16:17:00

The talks between Vice-president Iliana Iotova and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic, held at 2 Dondukov street, focused on the loss of human rights people have stood up for decades on end.  “I am observing a paradox – the more structures defending human rights are established, the more problems they face. We ourselves frequently give up our rights,” Iliana Iotova said. “There is a drastic retreat from generally accepted democratic values,” Dunja Mijatovic said, for her part. The two highlighted the important role of politicians, international organizations, NGOs and media in the debate on defending human rights.

The Vice-president and the Commissioner for Human Rights talked about the reasons that created this trend. Part of them are related to the economic problems and the lack of an adequate response by the governments to the 2008-2009 crisis, the deficiency of heightened  sensitivity in the states towards the rights of the most vulnerable, the frequent use of rhetoric directed against human rights. “Instead of workable decisions, an opportunity was created for xenophobic and populist rhetoric and radical parties to be on the rise,” the Vice-president said. The increased tendency to categorically repudiate the other was emphasized. 

Iliana Iotova and Dunja Mijatovic were adamant that the European institutions have failed to create a workable policy for tackling the migratory crisis and this is one of the basic reasons for trampling on human rights.

The talks also focused on women’s rights and the violence against them. It was highlighted that after such a great progress achieved in ensuring more rights for women today, words are more frequently heard that women should stay at home, dedicate their lives to raising children and housework. The two shared the opinion that in the fight for women’s rights should involve not only them but also all members of society.

“Violence against women should be paid particular attention, moreover, not only when something irreparable has happened. Apart from decisive measures and uncompromising actions that institutions should take, the heightened sensitivity of the public is necessary,” Iliana Iotova said.

Vice-president Iotova and Commissioner Mijatovic also discussed the post-monitoring dialogue Bulgaria is subject to in the Council of Europe. Iliana Iotova reiterated that monitoring should be stopped because it is an outdated and dysfunctional mechanism. The Vice-president voiced disagreement that in every successive report new criteria should be added. The next report on Bulgaria should be discussed in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in June 2020.

MORE FROM NEWS

President and UK Ambassador Discuss Cooperation in the Field of Security and the Fight against Illegal Migration

31 July 2025 | 17:05
Rumen Radev and Nathaniel Copsey discussed the fruitful partnership within NATO, as well as ensuring security in the Black Sea

The President Awarded the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands With the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class

29 July 2025 | 17:05
In his speech, the president stressed the relationship between the two countries, based on friendship, mutual trust, and respect

Head of State Awarded the Madara Horseman Order, First Class, to the Ambassador of the French Republic

29 July 2025 | 16:04
In his speech, Radev highlighted the dynamically and comprehensively developing relations between Bulgaria and France

Rumen Radev: Success Has Accompanied Bulgarian Diplomacy When It Was Not Subject to Narrow Party Interests and Followed Clearly Formulated National Goals

22 July 2025 | 22:10
When asymmetric actions are applied to our country, we should expand our diplomatic toolset to protect national interests and, above all, the rights of our compatriots abroad, the president says on the occasion of the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service

ОТКРИТО УПРАВЛЕНИЕ

e-ДОКУМЕНТИ

BULGARIAN CHRISTMAS

SUPPORT A DREAM

JOHN ATANASOFF AWARD

CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL SECURITY


Useful links