The ministers focused on how to effectively respond to the public health crisis while maintaining full respect for human rights and the principles of democracy and the rule of law. In this context, State Secretary Kajzer underlined that the measures in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, which were adopted by the Republic of Slovenia at the national level, do not constitute a derogation from rights under the Article 15 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He also pointed out that in the current situation, the most vulnerable groups of population require our particular attention.

The pandemic has had a major impact on multilateral system. Slovenia remains a staunch supporter of an effective multilateralism and appropriate reforms, through which the Council of Europe wishes to consolidate its efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of its member States. The inclusive digital transformation we are witnessing today will not only be a valuable contribution to a sustainable economic and social recovery but also bolster societies’ resilience to public health challenges, so now is the right time for human-centric artificial intelligence complying with the Council of Europe’s mandate. In his address, the State Secretary also expressed his appreciation for the work of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, as these authorities are in contact with more than 800 million Europeans daily and the importance of their role in overcoming the current crisis cannot be overstated.

The ministers went on to discuss the annual report by Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, entitled “Multilateralism 2020”, the Council of Europe’s role in responding to conflicts and crises in Europe, and securing the long-term effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights system and the Council of Europe’s policy towards neighbouring regions.

On this occasion, a ceremony marking the 70^th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights was held in Athens.