Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated that the 75-year-old European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) must adapt to a rapidly changing world, particularly concerning migration, while upholding its core values. His comments come amid growing criticism and calls for reform from several European countries, including the UK (Kemi Badenoch suggesting leaving the convention) and a group of nine countries (including Italy and Denmark) advocating for greater national control over migration policies. Human rights organizations express alarm, warning against weakening protections for vulnerable groups.
Convention on human rights must adapt, says Council of Europe head
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Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated that the 75-year-old European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) must adapt to a rapidly changing world, particularly concerning migration, while upholding its core values. His comments come amid growing criticism and calls for reform from several European countries, including the UK (Kemi Badenoch suggesting leaving the convention) and a group of nine countries (including Italy and Denmark) advocating for greater national control over migration policies. Human rights organizations express alarm, warning against weakening protections for vulnerable groups.
Trending- 1 Earlier this year: Alain Berset took office as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
- 2 May 22: Nine European countries issue an open letter calling for "open-minded conversation about the interpretation of the ECHR."
- 3 Thursday (June 5, 2025): Kemi Badenoch expected to give a speech suggesting the UK consider leaving the ECHR.
- 4 Ongoing: Alain Berset states ECHR must adapt while upholding core values.
- Potential reforms or withdrawal from the ECHR
- Weakening of protections for vulnerable groups (according to human rights organizations)
- Ongoing debate about national sovereignty vs. international human rights obligations
What: The head of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, states that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) needs to adapt to a changing world, especially regarding migration, while maintaining its core values. This comes amidst growing criticism and calls for reform or withdrawal from several European countries.
When: Earlier this year (Berset took office), Thursday (Kemi Badenoch's speech), May 22 (open letter from nine European countries), 75 years old (age of ECHR).
Where: Europe, UK.
Why: The world is changing rapidly, with increased migration across borders, leading to political pressure in several European countries to overhaul the ECHR's scope.
How: Alain Berset expressed his views in an interview. Kemi Badenoch is expected to give a speech suggesting the UK consider leaving the convention. Nine European countries issued an open letter calling for reinterpretation.