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COVID-19: monitors express concern at the possibility of an election for Polish President under full lockdown conditions

  • 08/04/2020
  • Monitoring

Pieter Omtzigt and Azadeh Rojhan Gustafsson have expressed their concern at the possibility that the May 2020 Presidential election in Poland will be organised by postal vote during a full lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as proposed in a draft law adopted by the Polish Sejm. More

COVID-19: ‘It is vital we improve the protection of whistle-blowers both during and after the coronavirus crisis,’ says PACE rapporteur

  • 08/04/2020
  • Legal Affairs and Human Rights

“It is a fact of society that there will always be whistle-blowers. Times of crisis show that we need them to safeguard our fundamental rights, but we also need them to enable us to prepare for and manage such situations more effectively,” said Sylvain Waserman. More

COVID-19 / International Roma Day – honouring resilience and resourcefulness in the face of anti-Gypsyism and discrimination

  • 08/04/2020
  • Equality and Non-Discrimination

“Today, even as we celebrate the resilience, resourcefulness and rich culture of Roma and Traveller communities, political leaders and all members of society must strengthen their commitment to combating anti-Gypsyism and discrimination,” said Momodou Malcolm Jallow. More

COVID-19 / World Health Day: President calls on member States to better protect those who protect us

  • 07/04/2020
  • President

“On this World Health Day, I call on all our countries to do everything in their power to ensure that the protection of the health, safety and psychological well-being of healthcare workers be made a top priority in the current response to COVID-19,” Rik Daems said. More

COVID-19 / World Health Day: ‘Access to family planning is essential, even in a time of crisis’

  • 07/04/2020
  • Equality and Non-Discrimination

“It is essential that access to family planning is guaranteed even during the COVID-19 crisis, which is putting sexual and reproductive health and rights at risk,” said Petra Bayr, Chairperson of PACE’s Committee on Equality and Non-discrimination. More

COVID-19: AI can be a useful tool to combat pandemics, provided its use, including for tracking, is responsible, ethical and human-centred, says PACE rapporteur

  • 07/04/2020
  • Political Affairs and Democracy

“Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) may prove a useful ally in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, we should not forget that its use may raise serious human rights concerns that can undermine the trust placed in governments,” said Deborah Bergamini. More