Please find enclosed the Recommendation 2105 (2017) adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on ‘Promoting integrity in governance to tackle political corruption’.

CoE : Venice Commission invites the President of Ukraine to submit a revised draft law on anti-corruption courts to Parliament, based on its recommendations.

In its opinion on the draft law on anti-corruption courts in Ukraine adopted today, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the “Venice Commission”) said that many of the provisions of the draft law provide a good basis for the establishment of a high specialised anti-corruption court, but made several recommendations to reduce the risk that it could be considered unconstitutional. In order to dispel any doubts about the constitutionality of the legislative procedure, the Venice Commission invites the President of Ukraine to promptly submit his own draft law on anti-corruption courts – which should be based on the Venice Commission’s recommendations. The current draft law (Draft Law No. 6011) thus needs to be withdrawn.

In an opinion adopted today, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the “Venice Commission”) assessed the extent to which Turkey’s Emergency Decree Laws – passed in the wake of the failed 2016 coup attempt – include measures that go beyond what is permitted by international standards and the Turkish constitution.

As stated in previous opinions regarding these laws, the Venice Commission again acknowledges the need for certain extraordinary steps taken by Turkish authorities to face a dangerous armed conspiracy.

However, as highlighted in previous opinions – the Turkish authorities have interpreted these extraordinary powers too extensively.

• Read full press release - Turkey: Emergency Decree Laws are obstructing local democracy

Dear friends,

You will find attached below the text (in french only) of the conference which Mgr. Kratz made for the Conference of the Bishops of France with French committed to an international level.

After a brief introduction reminding the "miracle" of the creation of the European Union he asks several questions:

1. Where are we?
2. Why are the Christians interested in Europe?
3. Where do we go?

He ends finally by " some reflections on the COMECE " of which members reflect the essential diversity of the peoples and the cultures of Europe.

     An effort to promote peace in Pakistan starts at Convent of Jesus and Mary –Lahore through the peace cranes which carry the message of peace, love, friendship, hope, light, laughter, kind deeds and a life time bond with human kind.

     On, 21^st September 2017, Matric Section commemorated International Day of Peace to create awareness on the importance of peace in this unrest and demanding world. Through this celebration children learnt to connect with themselves and discovered the power of peace. An angelic choir started off with the hymn “Make me an instrument of your peace” a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi – it is a part of daily routine to start our day. A projection of Peace Art Work and peace building activities were the anchor of this day. A candle was lit by Sr. Mari Puy RJM (Spain) Headmistress, Sr. Clara Hussain, Sr. Samina David along with the students, so the warmth instill in them and light always shine through these bright faces.

     Latin America has an important history of cultural and ethnical diversity. Original people (or first Nations) were diverse before the European invasion and had developed important cultural alternatives in order to establish good relationships between different groups. That does not mean that everything was peace, but that they highly valorized differences and could learn ones from the others. For example, Andean people (nowadays from Peru, Bolivia, Equator, Colombia, Chile) build their civilization taking advantage of diversity instead of trying to standardize everything. In that way, they could develop agriculture in the very hard environmental conditions of the Andes.

Human Dignity, Security and the Future of Europe: Christian Contribution.

9.00 –                 Registration, briefing for the press 

9.30 – 9.45 –     Opening, welcome speech of Obnova and UCU representatives 

9.45 – 10.15 –    Lecture/report “Human Dignity and the Future of Europe”

10.10 – 10.40 – Lecture  “Security and the future of Europe” , questions 

On 10 October 2017, the Conference of INGOs, in collaboration with the International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FIACAT), one of its members, is organising a debate entitled: "Return of the death penalty in Europe: genuine threat or populist fiction?", aimed at strengthening and better coordinating the fight against the threat of a return of the death penalty in Europe.

The Conference of INGOs remains convinced that the death penalty is not the solution and that the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) as well as its additional Protocols 6 and 13 should be defended in all circumstances.

Please register by 5 October 2017  using the online registration form. Participation is subject to the number of available places.

Following the publication of the legal opinion (n° NGO-POL/303/2017 [AIC]) of OSCE/ODIHR on the draft Act on the National Freedom Institute - Centre for the Development of Civil Society, the Conference of INGOs reiterates its concern in a letter to the Polish authorities

Communique of Ms Rurka, President of the Conference of INGOs (20 July 2017)

Letter from Mr Stanczyk, Ambassador of Poland to the Council of Europe following the communique of Ms Rurka (31 July 2017)

Letter from Ms Rurka to Ambassador Stanczyk following the publication of the legal opinion of OSCE/ODIHR (23 August 2017)

The Committee of Ministers today adopted guidelines aimed at promoting civil participation in political decision-making in the Council of Europe 47 member states.

The Committee of Ministers today adopted guidelines aimed at promoting civil participation in political decision-making in the Council of Europe 47 member states. At a time when democracy is challenged by diminishing trust of people towards politicians and elites in general, one of the prerequisites for guaranteeing democratic security is to ensure the participation of all individuals and societal groups in political processes and decision-making.

The new guidelines together with other existing texts such as Recommendation (2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe and the Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Processnow form a solid basis for governments and civil society to work together to strengthen democracy.

The Council of Europe and civil society already interact through the Conference of INGOs which promotes participatory democracy and provides input to the decisions taken at inter-governmental level.

The preparation of this unique standard-setting instrument was recommended by Secretary General Jagland in his 2015 report on the State of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe.