A Conversation with Europe's Field Diplomat

In this episode we have the honour to speak with Professor Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. From the UN in the former Yugoslavia to leading the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, O'Flaherty describes his role as a "field diplomat" committed to being on the ground where people hurt.

We discuss his four strategic priorities: Ukraine, global challenges (AI, climate, migration), championing marginalized communities (especially Roma), and protecting human rights defenders. O'Flaherty also critiques proposed social media bans for children, advocates for youth climate activism, and shares why he remains hopeful despite growing pressures on human rights systems.

Key Topics:

• The "field diplomat" approach to human rights work
• Ukraine: defending people, not just territory
• Roma communities and "Antigypsyism" in Europe
• Regulating platforms, not banning children from social media
• Youth climate activism and legitimate protest rights
• Finding hope in human rights achievements

Guest Bio: Prof. Michael O'Flaherty is Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. Formerly Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and member of the UN Human Rights Committee, he has established human rights programs across Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sierra Leone, and Asia-Pacific.

Resources:

• Safeguarding Ukrainians Displaced Across Europe: coe.int
• Reclaim Human Rights: coe.int
• Social Media Bans: coe.int
• Human Rights Defenders: coe.int
• Roma Communities (12 Million): coe.int

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