Autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly

The challenges posed by climate change, the war between Russia and Georgia one year after and the election of the new Secretary General are among highlights of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg (28 September-2 October). Slovenian President Danilo Türk will address the Assembly and French Secretary of State for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche will take part in a debate on the future of the Council of Europe in the light of its 60 years of experience.

The Assembly will also debate a request, made by 72 of its members, to reconsider, on substantive grounds, the credentials of the Russian delegation to the Assembly.

Other topics for discussion include a proposal to end the monitoring of Monaco and a call for an additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights on the right to a healthy environment. Reports on politically-motivated abuses of the criminal justice system, the protection of “whistle-blowers”, and the rape of women, including marital rape, are also due to be debated.

A current affairs debate has been requested on the situation of human rights defenders in the North Caucasus region.

Earlier in the week, Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Žbogar will present the traditional Communication from the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe’s executive body.

German conductor Kurt Masur will contribute to a debate on cultural education, while the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Angel Gurría will take part in the annual enlarged debate on the activities of the OECD.