“This session has once again placed migration and the refugee problem firmly on the agenda. I agree with Anne Brasseur, the PACE President, when she said in her opening speech that it was a lasting phenomenon rather than an isolated challenge. This is why it was of such importance that parliamentarians from all over Europe discussed the issue here in Strasbourg. And the message from the Parliamentary Assembly was clear – European countries must take greater responsibility. This point was also underlined by Ban Ki-moon when he spoke to the Assembly,” said Ingjerd Schou (Conservative Party), the Head of the Norwegian Delegation.

Two Norwegian rapporteurs

“From a Norwegian point of view I am also particularly pleased that two of the members of our delegation, Lise Christoffersen (Labour Party) and Ingebjørg A. Godskesen (Progress Party), were elected as rapporteurs for democratic development in FYR Macedonia and Turkey respectively. These are highly sought-after positions and the election of the two of them is recognition of their and the Norwegian Delegation’s efforts” Schou added.

Christoffersen and Godskesen will carry out their responsibilities on behalf of PACE’s Monitoring Committee. In close collaboration with the countries themselves, their task will be to assess and define how FYR Macedonia and Turkey can best fulfil their obligations as members of the Council of Europe – with particular emphasis on democracy, human rights and the principle of the rule of law.

Better protection for whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are an essential and healthy element of any democracy. This point was clearly made during the Assembly’s debate on the issue and in the subsequently adopted resolution, which underlined the pressing need for better protection of whistleblowers. It is as important for high-profile whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden as it is for so-called everyday whistleblowers. Lise Christoffersen participated in the debate and made the point that even in countries where legislation and guidelines are in place, whistleblowers should still receive better protection.

“We need travel no further than to our own country to see that this is of importance,” Lise Christoffersen commented.

No annulment of Russia’s credentials

The Assembly was unequivocal in its criticism of Russia’s conduct in eastern Ukraine and of its “grave violations” of international law and Ukraine’s sovereign integrity by its annexation of Crimea. However, the majority decision not to annul the Russian delegation’s credentials was a signal of the Assembly’s commitment to maintain PACE as an arena for open and constructive dialogue.

The Russian delegation’s credentials allow it to take part in the work of PACE, but under certain restrictions. It does not have the right to vote in debates, for example.

Release of political prisoners

During the debate on democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, PACE condemned the authorities’ “systematic repression” of civil society that has been taking place in the country over a protracted period of time, and in particular over the past year. The adopted resolution calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners, as well as to publish the names of a handful of prisoners who have cooperated actively with the Council of Europe.

Read the Summer Session's programme

The Storting’s Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is headed by Ingjerd Schou (Conservative Party), and also comprises the following members: Lise Christoffersen (Deputy Head of Delegation, Labour Party), Frank J. Jenssen (Conservative Party), Morten Wold (Progress Party), Hans Fredrik Grøvan (Christian Democratic Party), Tore Hagebakken (Labour Party), Kristin Ørmen Johnsen (Conservative Party) and Kåre Simensen (Labour Party).

The Council of Europe and PACE

The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and presently has 47 member states. Its primary objective is to work towards strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law in its member states.

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) brings together 318 representatives (with a corresponding 318 substitute members) from the member states’ parliaments. PACE serves in an advisory capacity and plays an important role in the Council of Europe. It adopts resolutions and makes recommendations to the member states’ parliaments and governments in a high number of different fields. It also monitors how the new member states comply with their membership commitments.