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Minister of State Colm Brophy welcomes appointment of Ireland's Member to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). * From: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration * Published on: 24 September 2026 * Last updated on: 24 September 2026 Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy today congratulated Dr. James Carr on his appointment as the Irish member of the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). Dr. Carr was nominated by the Minister for the position. Members of ECRI are appointed for a five-year term. Dr Carr is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Limerick. He is very familiar with the work of ECRI and has previously worked as a consultant adviser on General Policy Recommendations and has also engaged with members in respect of ECRI's sixth-cycle monitoring report on Ireland. In addition, Dr. Carr has worked with the European Commission as expert adviser on anti-Muslim hatred and Anti-Racism, and in the Irish context is a member of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equality and Racism, tasked with independently monitoring the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism. Congratulating Dr. Carr, Minister Brophy said, "I warmly congratulate Dr. James Carr on his appointment as Ireland's member of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance. Dr Carr brings a wealth of expertise in the fields of racism, discrimination and social inclusion, together with a strong understanding of ECRI's vital work in promoting equality and protecting human rights across Europe. "The high calibre of applications received through the open competition reflects the depth of expertise and commitment that exists in Ireland in the area of anti-racism and equality. Dr Carr emerged as an outstanding candidate with extensive experience at both national and European level. "Ireland remains firmly committed to combating racism and all forms of discrimination. I am confident that Dr Carr's knowledge, experience and leadership will make a valuable contribution to ECRI's work during his five-year term, and I wish him every success in this important role." The position of Ireland's member of ECRI was publicly advertised by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons. Following an objective evaluation of the applications by appropriate officials, the Minister decided to forward Dr. Carr's nomination to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the appointment was approved today by the Committee of Ministers' Deputies. ENDS.../// Note to Editors The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance is a Council of Europe body entrusted with the task of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in greater Europe from the perspective of the protection of human rights, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, its additional protocols and related case-law (Article 1 of ECRI's Statute). ECRI's objectives are: to review member states' legislation, policies and other measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance, and their effectiveness; to propose further action at local, national and European level; to formulate general policy recommendations to member states; to study international legal instruments applicable in the matter with a view to their reinforcement where appropriate.

Defending the environmental defenders. Key takeaways from the first-ever forum for Environmental Human Rights Defenders. * July 17, 2026 Olatz bulson-roman. Project Lead on Environmental Law Contents. On the 3rd and 4th June 2026, the Council of Europe hosted the first-ever Forum for Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) in Strasbourg, France. More than 280 defenders from across Europe came together alongside NGOs, EU institutions, and state representatives to exchange experiences, strengthen connections, and advance environmental rights. As one of the forum's co-organisers, Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) attended and supported several sessions and initiatives throughout the event. This included the establishment of a Youth Taskforce, bringing together youth representatives from civil society organisations, UN and EU institutions to support the active participation of youth EHRDs and ensure that their perspectives were visible and reflected in discussions. YEE's contribution to the Forum and support to young EHRDs. The ability to bring, for example, youth EHRDs together is critical to empowering defenders. It is through gathering that defenders are better able to share ideas, advocacy and testimonies. This coming-together is essential to creating vital solidarities in the face of the ongoing persecution of EHRDs. It is an opportunity for those actively risking their own wellbeing to safeguard its shared Environmental Human Rights and futures to have their voices and stories not only heard, but also amplified and acted on. Within the organisational structure of the Forum, YEE were proud to be working within the Youth Task Force sub-committee. Yeenet aimed to promote and safeguard youth engagement throughout the event. From ice-breakers and energisers to logistics and raising concerns, Yeenet were the port of call for youth EHRDs navigating both the institutional and emotional landscape of the Council of Europe hosting the Forum. Seeing how youth defenders came together so enthusiastically, empathetically and tirelessly was truly inspiring. Their courage to attend, share their stories and wholeheartedly engage in debates must be met by the momentum to protect all of its shared environmental human rights. Formalising the right to a healthy environment. A core message which arose from the Forum was the need for a legally binding additional protocol for the Right to a Healthy Environment in the Council of Europe. Testimonies of repression, persecution and the impacts of undertaking environmental human rights activism on mental and physical health clearly laid out the contemporary hostility for defenders in Europe. Without this explicit recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, the critical advocacy of defenders can be dismissed and weaponised due to the lack of a legal instrument which can support both those advocating for its shared future, and thus European rightsholders more generally. Protection, accountability and democratic action are central to mitigating the environmental and climate crisis. As a result, the Right to a Healthy Environment is a precondition for the enjoyment of all other human rights. Holding companies accountable for environmental harm. Legal cases holding companies accountable for environmental damage are beginning to emerge across Europe, building good precedents for further legal action. At the same time, while the 2024 EU Environmental Crime Directive has been an important step forward, its transposition across Member States remains slow, demonstrating little appetite to address the issue. Participants called for greater recognition of, and stronger responses to, corporate harms affecting environmental protection. They also suggested adopting more preventive approaches, such as the active participation of affected communities in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Recognising and protecting defenders. The recognition of EHRDs and the essential role they play for democracies to be considered healthy was at the core of the discussions. Through organising peaceful protests, acting as watchdogs, and building connections with communities, EHRDs contribute to building a sustainable future. Across their different contexts, defenders shared concerns about Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and foreign agent laws that continue to restrict civic space. For young people in particular, this often translates into even fewer opportunities to participate in civic life, as limited resources make it harder to respond to legal and administrative pressures. The 2024 EU Anti-SLAPP directive is a step in the right direction, and should be transposed by Member States widely. Aarhus Convention review mechanisms are also in place to allow for international pressure. In addition, though, participants highlighted that countering this trend requires reclaiming the narrative around environmental activism and increasing the visibility of the contribution that EHRDs make to environmental rights. A call for action. It is important not to lose the momentum generated by this Forum. This is supported by the legally binding Additional Protocol to the Right to a Healthy Environment in the Council of Europe, as this right is a precondition to enjoy all other human rights. Yeenet hope that the testimonies and common advocacy messages shared during the forum will inspire defenders, CSOs, as well as the EU and its Member States to continue building a strong commitment to creating an enabling environment for defenders across Europe. Therefore, as Yeenet look ahead, Yeenet must continue to defend the defenders who not only safeguard its shared environment, but also its democratic futures.