Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights of the Council of Europe

Distinguished Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Jagland,
Distinguished Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon,
Distinguished representatives of the Council of Europe Member States,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great honor to address you today, celebrating an occasion of exceptional importance for the citizens of Europe.
The pleasure for me is even greater that I address you at a time when my country, the Republic of Macedonia, has the chairmanship with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, when we celebrate this important anniversary.
Sixty years ago, when, by adopting the European Convention on Human Rights, the European countries waived part of their inviolable sovereignty, this very important but sensitive area - fundamental human rights and freedoms, was further promoted in a higher instance of protection.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indisputably, the system established at that time justified its primary function - to provide guarantees for fundamental human rights protection in the European countries, but also to be the main tool in the hands of the European citizens in situations when their guaranteed individual rights are threatened or infringed, allowing, for the first time in history, individual action of the citizen and a possibility to refer directly to the international judicial body - the European Court of Human Rights. However, even further, the control mechanism of the Convention provided a correction of “the democratic deficiencies” of the national legal systems. The verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights had an impact on the legal defects removal and adoption and domestic application of legal standards and principles for human rights protection, compatible with the Convention.

The protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the fundamental values promoted by the Council of Europe are an area that is constantly being changed, upgraded and harmonized. The fourteen adopted Protocols to the Convention are relevant indicator of this development. However, on this important anniversary, we should not only speak of the past and celebrate the success achieved. Aware that nothing, not even this system is perfect, we should therefore refer to the future and the current challenge related to ensuring efficiency of the control mechanism of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Dear all,

We are all proud that the Convention has long ago exceeded the boundaries of the European continent and serves as a positive example that is an inspiration for a number of human rights protection mechanisms worldwide. In this context, I would like to underline that I am particularly pleased to celebrate this anniversary in the presence of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The need for our continuous cooperation is understandable.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the first time, since our membership in the Council of Europe, as a country, we have the honor to chair the oldest pan-European organization that represents “the European legal conscience and consciousness” and unites the commitment of all 47 Member States in their efforts for sharing common values.
The reform of the human rights protection system, established by the Convention, is one of the main priorities and challenges of the Council of Europe nowadays. It is also one of the priorities of our Chairmanship.
The European Court of Human Rights, to fulfill its goal, it is necessary, its decisions to be fully respected and implemented by all Member States.
The role of the Court and of the Committee of Ministers must be strengthened so that an end is put to the disrespect of the European Convention on Human Rights by certain Member States. The Macedonian Chairmanship followed up the activities of the Interlaken-process and organized a conference dedicated to the subsidiary principle - to integrate the legal cases of the Court in the national legislation and practice. Thus, we have provided our contribution to the reforming of the European Court of Human Rights.
I would like to mention, as a process of immense significance, the European Union’s accession to the Convention and to greet the strong commitment and ongoing activities for practical implementation of this huge and complex project.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I address you as President of the country having the Chairmanship with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, but at the same time as an elected representative of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. Today, when we celebrate the numerous and undeniable benefits of the Convention, we in the Republic of Macedonia, through the Ohrid Framework Agreement, both respect and promote the established standards by the Convention. However, I have to emphasize that some of these principles, in certain European institutions, are not applied for us, for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, primarily due to the political pressure imposed by one member state. This double-edged sword hurts more when it strikes the most valuable benefits of democracy- human rights and freedoms, and especially human dignity.
Today we are gathered here, at the place where fundamental human rights and freedoms are affirmed, respected, promoted and protected. Here, where diversity is celebrated, where more numerous, less numerous and the smallest are valued. Here, where individuality, as well as collectivity, is welcomed.
I recollect certain debates, 15 years ago, in this temple of human rights, when particular member state politicians tried to deny the right of the Macedonian people and the Macedonian, as part of the European ethno-cultural mosaic, to self-identify themselves as they feel.
Notwithstanding, today I am proud as President of the Republic of Macedonia, and as Macedonian, that, on behalf of all Council of Europe Member States, I can convey these noble messages for human rights promotion in Europe in my mother tongue, in Macedonian language.
Right from here, from this temple, I would like to express huge gratitude to the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, because you were the strongest supporters of the membership of our country and of the right the Macedonians to be Macedonians. Today, there is no single country, not a single government nor any power that can deny the right of the Macedonians to be Macedonians since the human rights are stronger and more permanent than the change of certain governmental structures or particular politicians.

Distinguished attendees, let me be brief and clear in terms of respect of the Convention. The biggest problem is that we talk a lot and we do a little. We, as generation, have to reread again and again the Convention, which is the foundation of what we should develop further. The Convention is the fundament of the European home.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 I will conclude. I am proud that today, here with all of you attending this ceremony and with all citizens of Europe, we are celebrating this great and

very important anniversary, glorifying the great success of humanity. We need to preserve, promote and improve the system established by the European Convention on Human Rights that has influenced the democratic development of Europe.

Thank you.