Council of Europe: Michael O’Flaherty elected as the new Commissioner for Human Rights

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe elected Michael O'Flaherty as the new Commissioner for Human Rights with 104 votes in favor. His term of office will last six years, beginning April 1, 2024. 

Previously, Michael O'Flaherty was the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. Among other positions, he was also a professor of human rights law and the Director of the Irish Center for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland and a member of the UN Human Rights Committee.   

The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent institution aiming to raise awareness and uphold human rights across the Council of Europe’s 46 member States. Through dialogue, visits, and reports, the Commissioner addresses potential human rights violations and shortcomings in the human rights law and practice, supporting national ombudsperson institutions.