Uploads from Council of Europe, tagged councilofeurope, with geodata

Thomas Hammarberg

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:02 -0800

© Council of Europe

Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe
Thomas Hammarberg, Commissaire aux Droits de l'Homme, Conseil de l'Europe

Visit the Commissioner for Human Rights' website (en français)

Follow the Commissioner for Human Rights on Twitter

The Right Honourable Terry Davis

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:49:33 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

© Council of Europe

The Right Honourable Terry Davis, Secretary General 22 June 2004 -
31 August 2009, Council of Europe
The Right Honourable Terry Davis, Secrétaire Général 22 juin 2004 -
31 août 2009, Conseil de l'Europe

Break the silence on domestic violence (2008)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:49:36 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Council of Europe Publishing - ISBN 978-92-871-6558-9

View 14 photos on Flickr in our set “Stop domestic violence”

In present-day Europe, thousands of women have to cope every day with acts of physical, sexual or psychological violence, even in their own homes. “It starts with screams and must never end in silence”. Preventing domestic violence against women concerns us all, men and women alike, and we all have a duty to break the silence.

In an exhibition staged in connection with the Council of Europe’s campaign to “Stop domestic violence against women” (2006-2008), the photographer Sandro Weltin presents us with different faces and perspectives – those of parliamentarians, local and regional representatives, representatives of non-governmental organisations and field workers who play an active part in measures to combat domestic violence, but above all those of the victims themselves, who will always be the focal point of this people’s cause.

Find out more on the book presentation page on CoE Publishing’s website.

CIA above the law? Secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers of detainees in Europe (2008)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:49:35 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Council of Europe Publishing - ISBN 978-92-871-6419-3

Read eye-witness accounts on secret detention centers in Europe on Issuu

Has Europe become “a happy hunting ground” for foreign security services? Is it acceptable, in the name of common security and the fight against terrorism, for citizens to be kidnapped, transferred and arbitrarily detained in secret prisons, and then tortured, on the mere suspicion or terrorism and in defiance of international law?

Two investigations by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe into the High Value Detainee (HVD) programme set up by the US Administration after the attacks of 9/11 gathered striking eye-witness accounts and revealed the global “spider’s web” spun by the CIA.

The so-called “extraordinary renditions” programme has resulted in numerous serious human rights violations. It has only been able to function through the co-operation of certain Council of Europe member states, despite the fact that they are bound by European human rights Conventions. The Venice Commission delivered a legal expert opinion on the legal responsibility for member states.

Active ingredients used in cosmetics: safety survey (2008)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:49:38 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Council of Europe Publishing – ISBN 978-92-871-6298-4

The Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Cosmetic products presents monographs for 45 active ingredients used in cosmetics, for which no specific regulations exist.
The goal, as part of the Council of Europe’s actions for public health, is to provide the public, health authorities and manufacturers with accurate safety information.

Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, so called “active” ingredients, may produce pharmacological or toxic effects. Cosmetic products containing such ingredients may pose a health risk: they may prove potentially toxic or mask serious diseases, thus delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Find out more about contents on the book presentation page on CoE Publishing ‘s website.

Martine (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:23:57 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Martine, 50, employee / Martine, 50 ans, employée
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“He left me for dead like a piece of rubbish. I had already lodged a complaint in 2004 but there were no witnesses, and it was my word against his. What was the point of pursuing it? The stand-off between us was horrible. Of course, I was losing it, and he was sure of himself. He is manipulative, always polite, kind and decent in the company of others. At home, there was nothing, no way out. I only had to look at him the wrong way for him to kick off. I am disfigured and I still have the marks of his hands on my neck. Today I am in pieces. I don't see any of the things around me any more. I want him to be punished. Not prosecuting them only encourages them to carry on. Despite everything, I loved my husband and that made me suffer.” •

“Il m’a laissé crever comme un déchet. J’ai déjà porté plainte en 2004 mais en l’absence de témoin, c’était ma parole contre la sienne. À quoi bon porter plainte ? La confrontation a été épouvantable. Bien sûr, je perdais les pédales. Lui restait sûr de lui. C’est un manipulateur, courtois, correct, serviable en société. À la maison, jamais rien, aucune sortie. Il suffisait d’un regard de travers pour que tout vole. Je suis défigurée et je porte encore les traces de ses mains sur mon cou. Je suis anéantie aujourd’hui. Je ne vois plus rien autour de moi. Je veux qu’il y ait une sanction. La non-poursuite les encourage à continuer. Malgré tout, j’ai aimé mon mari et ça me fait souffrir.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Nassira (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:05 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Nassira, 34 / Nassira, 34 ans
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“I need to speak up for women victims. Women are the future of men. They deserve respect. But without men we are nothing either. It is thanks to them we can have children. I need to feel safe from predators. Sometimes I feel scared… lost… so tired and weary. But I know I need a new love, kindness, affection, sharing, being happy again. Men and women need each other’s support.” •

“J’ai besoin de témoigner au nom des femmes victimes. La femme est l’avenir de l’homme. On lui doit respect. Je rends hommage aux hommes sans qui nous ne sommes rien. Nous ne pouvons enfanter que grâce à l’homme. Je dois être à l’abri du prédateur. J’ai peur parfois. Je suis perdue un peu moi-même. Je suis fatiguée, lasse. Mais je sais que j’ai besoin d’un amour nouveau, de tendresse, d’affection, de partage, de bien-être. Il faut de la solidarité entre les hommes et les femmes.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Anna (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:06 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Anna, 35, employee / Anna, 35 ans, employée
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“We had been living together for 7 years. The verbal aggression started at the beginning of my pregnancy. He did everything he could to keep me away from my friends and family. Yet I had done nothing wrong. When he hit me for the third time, I ran away with my child. A work colleague took me in, and I was put in touch with the “SOS Femmes Solidarité” association. It was the only safe haven where I could tell my story without fearing reprisals or feeling ashamed. I was terrified of running into my ex-husband when leaving work, at the nursery, at the end of the street or even in front of the block of flats where I live, even though he didn't know my new address. After the divorce and after he had been sentenced for violence and death threats, I turned the page and put it all behind me. I have been able to rebuild a trusting relationship with a man I had known for a long time – he was the one for me. There is always hope. There is a life after this hell.” •

“Nous vivions ensemble depuis sept ans. Les violences verbales ont commencé au début de ma grossesse. Il a tout fait pour m’éloigner de mes amis et de ma famille. Je n’avais pourtant rien à me reprocher. Lorsqu’il m’a frappée pour la troisième fois, je me suis enfuie avec mon enfant. Une collègue de bureau m’a recueillie. J’ai été mise en relation avec l’association SOS Femmes Solidarité. C’était le seul lieu sécurisé où je pouvais raconter mon histoire sans risque de représailles, sans honte. J’avais une peur terrible de rencontrer mon ex-mari à la sortie du travail, à la crèche, au coin de la rue ou même au pied de l’immeuble où je vivais, même s’il ne connaissait pas ma nouvelle adresse. Après le divorce et la condamnation pour violences et menaces de mort, j’ai tourné la page et fermé la porte. J’ai pu renouer une relation de confiance avec un homme que je connaissais de longue date. C’était lui et pas un autre. Il y a toujours de l’espoir. Il y a une vie après cet enfer.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Sonia (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:23 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Sonia, 51, assistant nurse / Sonia, 51 ans, auxiliaire de vie
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“I left my violent husband 14 years ago, taking my three young children with me, because it was a matter of life or death. My husband was judged irresponsible for his acts at the time. It was horrifying to realise that no charges would be upheld against him and he would not be convicted. But even worse were the words of his psychologist who thought that I should be punished for what I’d made him go through. He swore that he would kill me as soon as my youngest son turned 18. I think about it more and more since that date is getting closer but it doesn't stop me from living. I will never trust a man again but life always goes on. Today, I am a member of a victim support association – if my testimony gives just one woman the strength to leave and to fight, it will slightly sooth a wound that will never heal.”

“J’ai quitté mon mari violent il y a 14 ans. Je suis partie à l’époque - avec mes trois jeunes enfants - pour ne pas mourir. Mon mari a été jé irresponsable à l’époque des faits. Cela a été terrible pour moi d’apprendre qu’aucune charge ne serait retenue contre lui et qu’il ne serait pas condamné, mais plus terribles encore furent les mots de son psy estimant c’est moi qui devrait être punie pour ce que je lui faisait endurer. Il a juré de me tuer lorsque mon plus jeune fils sera majeur. J’y pense de plus en plus souvent depuis que cette échéance approche mais cela ne m’empêche pas de vivre. Je ne ferai plus jamais confiance à un homme, mais la vie reprend toujours le dessus. Je suis aujourd’hui membre d’une association d’aide aux femmes victimes de violences. Si, par mon témoignage, une seule femme trouve le courage de partir et de se battre, ce sera pour moi un peu de baume sur une blessure qui ne guérira jamais.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

On the way to school (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:14 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Sur le chemin de l’école
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

Even in desperate situations, the child’s interests must be safeguarded. It is important to guarantee the right of the child to a normal school-life. •

Même dans des situations d’urgence, l’intérêt de l’enfant doit être sauvegardé. Il est important de garantir le droit de l’enfant à une scolarité normale.

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Khadidja (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:11 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Khadidja, 37 / Khadidja, 37 ans
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“After the wedding, he became a different man. He used to lock the door and wouldn’t go out with me or eat with me. I felt stupid and guilty. I stopped eating and ended up in hospital. He made me leave home and I am afraid that will backfire on me. I filed a complaint against him but I didn’t have any proof. I wasn’t as “lucky” as other victims - he didn’t beat me. Then nobody wanted to take me in. I decided to take my life into my own hands and with the help of doctors, social workers, lawyers and the shelter for women, where I was in very good company, I regained my self-confidence. Now I express my feelings through my painting.” •

“Après le mariage, c’est devenu un autre homme. Il fermait la maison à clé, refusait de sortir ou de manger avec moi. Je me sentais nulle et coupable. J’ai fini par ne plus manger et par être hospitalisée. Il a fini par me faire quitter le domicile conjugal, et j’ai peur que cela se retourne contre moi. J’ai porté plainte mais je n’ai pas de preuves. J’ai eu moins de « chance » que d’autres victimes parce que je n’ai pas été frappée. Personne n’a voulu m’héberger ensuite. J’ai décidé de m’assumer seule, avec l’aide de médecins, d’éducateurs, de juristes, et du centre d’hébergement, où j’ai été très entourée et ai repris confiance en moi. J’ai encore beaucoup de problèmes de santé. Aujourd’hui, j’exprime à travers la peinture les sentiments que je ressens.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Christine (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:26 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

Christine, 43, died on 23 February 2007 as a result of violence by her husband. •

Christine, 43 ans, décédée le 23 février 2007 des suites des violences infligées par son mari.

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Sherine (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:19 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Sherine, 31 / Sherine, 31 ans
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“We got married because we were in love. Some time later, he started locking me in the house and hitting me. He raped me and forced me to have sexual relations which I did not agree to. I had bruises everywhere. After beating me he would go out and lock me in. He threatened to stop me from getting my papers. I wanted to give him another chance because I loved him. Today I live in an emergency shelter and I am afraid to go out. My husband is still threatening me and trying to get me back. He has scaled the wall. He waits outside. Just knowing he’s there makes me shake like a leaf. All I want now is to get my son back.” •

“Nous nous étions mariés par amour. Quelques temps après, il m’a séquestrée à la maison et frappée. Il m’a violée et m’a forcée à avoir des relations sexuelles que je ne voulais pas. J’étais couverte de bleus. Après m’avoir frappée, il fermait la porte à clé et partait. Il menaçait de bloquer mes papiers. Je voulais lui donner une chance encore, parce que je l’aimais. Aujourd’hui, je suis accueillie dans un centre d’hébergement d’urgence, sans pouvoir en sortir. Mon mari continue à me menacer et cherche à me récupérer. Il a escaladé la façade. Il attend dehors. Quand je sais qu’il est là, je tremble comme une feuille. Ce que je veux aujourd’hui, c’est retrouver mon fils.”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Micaela (Break the silence on domestic violence)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:08 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Micaela, 34, employee / Micaela, 34 ans, employée de maison
Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

“For six years, day after day, he would hit me. He split my head open, broke my nose, burnt my arm with a cigarette. I ran away to Spain with only my daughter under my arm and my papers. I had to leave my son behind and I’ve had no news of him for eight years. I had a breakdown, lost my job and they took my daughter away. She has become a victim of violence too. What did I do to deserve all this? What did my daughter do to deserve the same fate?” •

“Pendant six ans, jour après jour, il m’a frappée. Il m’a ouvert le crâne, cassé le nez, brûlé le bras avec une cigarette. Je me suis enfuie en Espagne avec ma fille sous le bras et mes quelques papiers. J’ai dû abandonner mon garçon, dont je suis sans nouvelle depuis huit ans. J’ai sombré dans la dépression, j’ai perdu mon travail, on m’a retiré la garde de ma fille qui a été victime, à son tour, de violences. Qu’ai-je fait pour mériter cela ? Pourquoi la vie s’acharne-t-elle maintenant sur ma fille ?”

Council of Europe, Stop domestic violence against women
It starts with screams and must never end in silence.
Tout commence par des cris et ne doit jamais finir dans un grand silence.

***
Break the silence on domestic violence: book cover and presentation page of the book
Briser le silence autour de la violence domestique : couverture du livre et présentation

Jean-Paul Costa

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:10 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Michel Christen / © Council of Europe

Jean-Paul Costa, President of the European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe
Jean-Paul Costa, Président de la Cour Européenne des Droits de l'Homme, Conseil de l'Europe

Visit the Court's website (en français)

Yavuz Mildon

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:14 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Alban Bodineau / © Council of Europe

Yavuz Mildon, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Council of Europe
Yavuz Mildon, Président du Congrès des Pouvoirs Locaux et Régionaux de l'Europe, Conseil de l'Europe

Visit the website of Congress (en français)

Maud De Boer-Buquicchio

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:09 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Acting Secretary General, Council of Europe
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Secrétaire Générale a.i., Conseil de l'Europe

Visit the Acting General Secretary's website (en français)

Miguel Angel Moratinos

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:13 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Sandro Weltin / © Council of Europe

Miguel Angel Moratinos, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Council of Europe, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain
Miguel Angel Moratinos, Président en exercice du Comité des Ministres, Conseil de l'Europe, et Ministre des Affaires étrangères et de la coopération de l¹Espagne

Visit the Committee of Ministers' website (en français)

Lluis Maria de Puig

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:20:11 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Photo: Olivier Bertucchi / © Council of Europe

Lluis Maria de Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe
Lluis Maria de Puig, Président de l'Assemblée Parlementaire, Conseil de l'Europe

Visit the Parliamentary Assembly's website (en français)

Guantanamo: violation of human rights and international law? (2007)

nobody@flickr.com (Council of Europe) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:57:20 -0800

Council of Europe posted a photo:

Council of Europe Publishing - ISBN 978-82-871-6294-6
(switch to french version)

Discover testimonies and conclusions on torture and degrading treatment of Guantanamo prisoners on Issuu

What are the rights of the prisoners held by the United States at the base in Guantánamo Bay? Is their imprisonment lawful? Should we be thinking about strengthening the Geneva Conventions and changing international law?

The Parliamentary Assembly, and hence the 47 member states of the Council of Europe, has spoken with one voice, condemning this flagrant violation of human rights and demanding the closure of the Guantánamo detention centre.

Find out more about contents on the book presentation page on CoE Publishing's website.