Human Rights

EU Diplomats Increase Sanctions Against Russia

March 09, 2022

EU ambassadors agreed to more sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, targeting more oligarchs, the maritime industry and will remove three Belarusian banks from the SWIFT international payment system.
Council of Europe Suspends Russia’s Rights of Representation

March 02, 2022

As a result of their recent armed attack of Ukraine, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has suspended the Russian Federation from its rights of representation in the Committee of Ministers and in the Parliamentary Assembly.
A Long Road for Europe's Goal of Centralized Standards for AI

February 17, 2022

In an effort to create a centralized approach to setting a standard for artificial intelligence, EU lawmakers are beginning a potentially long process reaching a concensus and implementation many are not in agreement concerning the use of facial recognition, often varying between individual nations in the bloc.
EU Watchdog calls for Ban on Surveillance Tool Pegasus

February 16, 2022

The European Union's data protection watchdog called for a ban on the spyware tool Pegasus, developed by Israeli-based NSO Group citing that Pegasus may potentially lead to an "unprecedented level of intrusiveness, able to interfere with the most intimate aspects of our daily lives."
England set to U-turn on Mandatory Vaccines for Health Care Staff

February 02, 2022

Following the decision to lesson covid restrictions, the U.K. government will review its plan to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for health and social care workers in England, potentially halting the mandate as Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the House of Commons that mandatory vaccination was no longer « proportionate ».
Austrian Parliament Approves Vaccine Mandate for Adults

January 25, 2022

In vote with 137 to 33 in favor, Austria’s parliament voted to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for adults from Feb. 1, with maximum potential fines of up to 3,600 euros ($4,000) for people who don’t comply after a series of reminders.
Online Advertising Based on Sensitive Information Banned in EU

January 25, 2022

EU lawmakers voted on amendments to the proposed Digital Services Act (DSA), setting out their unified position to ban certain « surveillance capitalism » practices based on sensitive information such as political affiliation, potentially reshaping the online service model that is heavily dependent on targeted advertising.
England: Face Mask Rules and Covid Passes to End

January 19, 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an end to many Covid restrictions, including face masks and passes, citing that the nation must deal with coronavirus as it deals with the flu.
Austria’s Vaccine Mandate Begins February 1

January 19, 2022

The Austrian government has announced that it will make coronavirus vaccination mandatory from February 1, with those who refuse the order receiving penalties from €600 to €3,600 up to four times a year.
Lynas: Analyzing the Ashers bakery Cake Case

January 17, 2022

The Tablet: Lawyer Peter Lynas analyses the Ashers bakery case that has been in the headlines and the courts for the past eight years.