Matteo de Bellis

I welcome #Malta’s proposed Bill N.3 to establish a National Human Rights Institution. Read my letter to the Minister for Equality and Civil Rights, in which I suggest adjustments to ensure the #NHRI’s independence, authority and effectiveness, in line with international standards. 🔹Transparent selection process 🔹Broad #humanrights mandate 🔹Narrow security exceptions 🔹Clear reporting and follow-up mechanisms @MaltaCoE @RosianneCutajar Read my exchange of letters coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

Almost nine years after the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, there is still work to do to ensure full justice and prevent impunity. Malta must continue its efforts to bring those responsible to justice. My thoughts are with her family in their efforts to demand justice and protect media freedom.

As ministers from #Austria #Denmark #Germany #Greece and the #Netherlands gather in Copenhagen today to discuss #ReturnHubs, they need to commit to the guardrails necessary to prevent setting up human rights black holes: 🔸First, any initiative to establish return hubs should be preceded by a comprehensive assessment of direct and indirect #HumanRights risks. This assessment should be based on rigorous factual and legal analysis, leading to a plan to prevent, mitigate or remedy those risks. 🔸Second, if they proceed with return hubs, they should ensure these are subject to adequate, independent and continuous human rights monitoring, with robust review and suspension mechanisms. 🔸Third, co-operation on return hubs should be based on legally binding agreements featuring enforceable human rights clauses. 🔸Fourth, risk assessments, mitigation plans, monitoring outcomes and agreements should be made public to allow parliamentary, public and judicial scrutiny. For more on this, read my OpEd in The @guardian ⬇️ theguardian.com/commentisfre… Read my exchange of letters with them ⬇️ coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

As the @Europarl_EN debates the EU Returns Regulation, I urge careful consideration of its #HumanRights impact. To be effective and withstand future legal challenges, legislation must align with international standards. Read my observations 👇go.coe.int/DkJ2P

At the European Parliament #DROI Committee, I highlighted the #HumanRights risks of externalising migration policy. From asylum procedures to return hubs and border management, we cannot ignore the documented violations and risks. We need a precautionary approach that puts human dignity first. @EP_HumanRights Read my introductory remarks 👇 coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

I challenge the myth that we must choose between efficiency and human rights. We won't 'magically' increase return numbers by tearing up the rulebook. Only a lawful, fair, and dignified return policy can deliver results. European leaders must govern with respect for #HumanRights, not by avoiding them. My views on the future of returns, including the EU Return Regulation 👇coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

#Italy visit, day 2: I met with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy and with the Director General of the National Office against Racial Discrimination (UNAR). I was inspired by the wonderful kids I met at the Punto Luce run by Save the Children in Torre Maura.

European leaders need to refute the critics: Europe’s power lies not in mimicking those who oppose #HumanRights, but in showing that dignity, law, and freedom remain the only foundations on which a stable and prosperous future can be built. Read my latest shoutout 👇 coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

I fully support the UN experts' call: the new EU Facilitation Directive must fully align with international #HumanRights standards. We must ensure that humanitarian assistance to refugees and migrants is never criminalised across our member states.

Just had warm meeting with EU Commissioner @magnusbrunner. I look forward to further engaging on sensitive issues such as #migration. We must work to uphold human rights and ensure that asylum remains always accessible in the #EU.🇪🇺

Good to visit @Unibocconi in Milan today and join insightful discussions on Italy's #HumanRights infrastructure. Establishing an independent, effective National Human Rights Institution is essential. I pledge full support to this goal.

At @LaStatale, I addressed the urgent need to defend the #RuleofLaw against mounting threats. I commend the University of Milan for its openness to #HumanRights debate. Responsible leaders must reject hateful rhetoric and confront the challenges ahead. ⬇️ Read my speech ⬇️ coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

I urge the Greek parliament to refrain from suspending the registration of asylum applications coe.int/en/web/commissioner/…

As my trip comes to an end, I’m grateful for excellent meetings with @aditusNGO @repubblikaMT @daphnefdtn @MarieLouise_MT @Ombudsman_Malta @RightsMalta @ncpe_malta. Their work is vital. We will continue to engage to help efforts to strengthen human rights protections in #Malta.