Michael O’Flaherty – new CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

CoE's new Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has a lot of work to do... Foto: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency / Arno Mikkor, Aron Urb / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0

(Red) – “I intend to inject a human rights perspective into the greatest challenges facing our societies”, says Michael O’Flaherty, noting that he intends to carry out his first visit as Commissioner to Ukraine. “I can think of nothing more urgent than addressing the human rights consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has caused terrible human suffering and destruction”.

But who ist Michael O’Flaherty, elected in January 2024 as the successor of Dunja Mijatović? The Irishman and lawyer Michael O’Flaherty has been active in Human Rights defense throughout his career and has served as Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (2015-2023), as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (2004-2012), as Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (2011-2013), and in various posts at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, notably in setting up operations in conflict-affected countries such as Sierra Leone and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The new Commissioner also identified other areas where stronger human rights protection is urgently needed, including the climate crisis, the governance of artificial intelligence, freedom of expression, migration and the rise of hate speech, including antisemitism and anti-Muslim attacks.

A significant part of the Commissioner’s agenda will also be devoted to bringing the struggles of marginalised people and victims of discrimination to the forefront of human rights discussions. “In particular, Roma and Travellers face an intolerable situation that requires greater attention”, says the Commissioner.

Finally, Michael O’Flaherty highlights his intention to focus on youth, socio-economic rights and human rights defenders, as well as to use his mandate to contribute to the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

“I step into this new role with a sense of great responsibility, as well as deep appreciation and respect for the work of my predecessor, Dunja Mijatović. Human rights affect every aspect of our lives. At a time when they face multiple challenges, we must recommit ourselves to weaving them into the fabric of our societies. This will require a concerted effort and I intend to play my part to the best of my ability by accompanying and standing up for rights holders across the Member States.”

Michael O’Flaherty has a tremendous task to fulfill, at times where human rights are violated in many countries. Good luck to you, Mister Commissioner!