The Council of Europe’s position with regard to the protection of human rights in the so-called “grey zones” unchanged

The Council of Europe’s position with regard to the protection of human rights in the so-called “grey zones” has not changed, Tatiana Baeva, Spokesperson of the Council of Europe, told Aysor.am.

“The Council of Europe’s position with regard to the protection of human rights in the so-called “grey zones” has not changed,” she responded to the sent inquiry.

Earlier Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maria Peijinovic Buric stated about importance to understand what can be done to better protect and promote human rights and the rule of law in unresolved conflict areas and so-called “grey zones”.

“I know it is a difficult subject for some member states, but I hope that together we can find a constructive way forward. It is of utmost importance to find a way to enable access by human rights monitoring bodies to such areas: all citizens of our member states should be fully protected by the Convention, regardless of de facto control in those areas or their status,” she said.

Peijinovic Buric also stressed that it is a responsibility of the Secretary General to seek access for relevant Council of Europe bodies to those areas, in close contact with all parties involved, including legal authorities of a member state and de facto authorities,  and with any member state that could facilitate unconditional monitoring.