Mr Nils Muiznieks, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, paid a working visit to Monaco on January 18 and 19. He was accompanied by Mr Giancarlo Cardinale, Deputy to the Director of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights and Mrs Françoise Kempf, Counsellor.

This was the second visit made by a Commissioner for Human Rights since the accession of Monaco to the Council of Europe, following Mr Thomas Hammarberg visitation in 2008.

These periodic visits or examinations are part of the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights, whose task it is to monitor and evaluate the human rights situation in the member states of the Council of Europe.

The latest visit focused on the legal and institutional framework for the protection of human rights in Monaco and the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable groups.

A hearing was granted by HSH Prince Albert in the presence of Mr Gilles Tonelli, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mrs Anne-Marie Boisbouvier, Counselor to the Prince’s Cabinet and HE Mr Rémi Mortier, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Council of Europe.

Earlier on the morning of January 19, after a meeting with the Minister of State, Mr Muiznieks attended a working meeting with the Ministers of the Interior, Health and Social Affairs and Foeign Affairs and Cooperation.

The Commissioner also met with Mr Philippe Narmino, Director of Judicial Services, and Mr Christophe Steiner, President of the National Council. On 18 January, he had met with the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Mediation, Mr Anne Eastwood, and with representatives of civic society.

The visit provided an opportunity for Mr Muiznieks to talk about the work of the High Commissioner to the pupils of a class at the Lycée Albert 1er.

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