On 16 and 17 May 2024, Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and attended its annual ministerial session in Strasbourg, France.
Seventy-five years after its founding, the Council of Europe remains a pivotal intergovernmental organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Despite current challenges, its mission endures. Today, these values face significant threats, notably highlighted by Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, an independent Council of Europe member.
During discussions with member states, Melbārde emphasized the importance of a strong historical and cultural foundation for Europe. She likened the Council of Europe to a tree with deep roots, necessary to withstand storms, grounded in shared values and a common European heritage.
On 17 May, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers convened to address key issues, including the organization’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the implementation of decisions from the Reykjavik Summit, cooperation with the European Union, and the adoption of the new Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law.
Addressing the session, Melbārde reaffirmed Latvia’s steadfast support for Ukraine and advocated for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. She reiterated Latvia’s commitment to the Council’s core values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Melbārde also highlighted the necessity of combating intolerance, discrimination, and violence in the digital age. She noted Latvia’s recent ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, expressing Latvia’s readiness to collaborate on its implementation.
Melbārde thanked Liechtenstein for its successful presidency of the Committee of Ministers and welcomed the upcoming Lithuanian presidency, expressing confidence in its capability to further the organization’s goals.
