Former Finnish President Tarja Halonen

For seventy years the Council of Europe has worked to create a world where human rights, democracy, equality and justice are not just buzzwords but are lived through the everyday lives and experiences of millions of Europeans.

Former Finnish President Tarja Halonen says “more and more Europeans have become defenders of human rights”. The veteran of our seven generations of human rights defenders explains why the Council of Europe human rights protection system remains vital.

[ Watch all 6 videos in the series ]