Speaking to “Vima”, o Michael O’Flahertycommissioner of the Council for It is placed directly for the Refugee emphasizing how “responsibility for the Pylos tragedy remains unclear” and asks for answers about the “illegal redirects” on the Greek border.
O’Flaherty makes it clear that the rule of law is not an abstract theory but one “living social contract”warning that Europe will lose public trust if it allows poverty and digital authoritarianism to erode its foundations.
What are the biggest threats to democracy today in terms of political trends and leadership?
“In my thirty years of professional career I have never before been faced with such a serious threat to human rights in Europe. What is of greatest concern is not simply the rise of the extremes or the questioning of institutions built on the ashes of World War II, but the dramatic weakening of the political center. As WB Yeats prophetically wrote, when “the center cannot stand, everything falls.”
Today we see traditional political formations sacrificing fundamental principles on the altar of appeasing populism. The reality on the ground is harsh: border guards forcefully push people away, disregarding their own lives and handing them back to the specter of torture. At the same time, part of the political world is slipping into the dangerous logic of the “prioritization” of rights. Today they are in the spotlight; but who will be next? What will be the fate of the next vulnerable group to find themselves in the path of populist machinations?
This slippage is complemented by a methodical blurring of the lines between reality and disinformation. While the truth is distorted, the right of citizens to express themselves, to protest and to demand accountability from power is systematically suppressed, shaking the foundations of our democratic coexistence.”
What are the possible implications of the new US policy on the human rights agenda within Europe?
“There is a visible danger: some European governments will use the global democratic backsliding as an alibi to weaken institutional guarantees. We are already observing a disturbing phenomenon of “political mimicry”, where justice is undermined and the voice of civil society is systematically stifled. But instead of politicians seeking electoral survival by copying populist rhetoric, they must place human rights at the core of the new strategic reordering of our continent.
Europe’s real strength lies not in introversion, but in its ability to innovatively regulate and effectively combat hate speech. A strong Europe is one that confronts poverty, inequality and crises in housing and health head-on. To “future-proof” our institutions, an urgent armoring of the pillars of our democracy is required: the courts, independent authorities, universities and the media. Europe’s strength comes from practical proof that human dignity and the rule of law are not theoretical concepts, but the only solid foundations for our collective stability and prosperity.”
Which practices on the Greek borders and islands do you consider the most problematic for human rights today?
“More must be done to protect human rights at the Greek border. Despite acknowledging the pressure Coast Guard and Border Patrol are under from illegal immigration, reports of illegal pushbacks are ongoing. Despite the measures that have been taken, responsibility for the Pylos tragedy remains unclear. It is necessary to carry out effective investigations into reports of refoulements at land and sea borders. In addition, the reception in Crete is considered insufficient, as the conditions remain unsuitable in many of the facilities”.
How will you prevent Artificial Intelligence from becoming an uncontrollable tool of digital authoritarianism?
“At the critical crossroads of technological development, Artificial Intelligence must serve man and not power. Although Europe has put in place an appropriate regulatory framework, the real challenge now lies in its implementation, which requires national authorities to effectively oversee and open the “black box” of algorithmic systems through transparency and ongoing impact assessments. Governments must ensure clear channels of access to Justice for cases where AI fails and empower supervisory bodies with the necessary expertise. Effective regulation does not hinder innovation, but is the compass that aligns progress with human rights and democracy.”
What needs to change now in the European approach so that Roma protection ceases to be an ongoing humanitarian crisis?
“Europe must effectively protect the 10-12 million Roma and nomads, its largest minority, by transferring existing strategies from paper to practice. Real change requires the active participation of communities, an end to their targeting as scapegoats and sustainable investment in decent housing, education and justice. Progress is equated with respect and the fight against racism that forces these people to hide their identity in order to access work or health. As I emphasize in my book “The Unheard 12 Million”, the voices of women and girls are the driving force for change. It is our duty to empower these voices, to support the defenders of their rights and to highlight the cultural wealth that for years has been overshadowed by poverty and prejudice.”
How can the rule of law be preserved when the social base feels excluded from the European vision?
“The rule of law is not an abstract legal theory, but a living social contract that presupposes that the law applies equally to all. When we allow poverty and inequality to escalate, effectively excluding people from access to decent housing, quality health and education, we are actually sliding into a retreat of human rights. This condition breeds feelings of disadvantage and alienation; when mainstream policy fails to address the deep causes of social injustice, it creates a dangerous vacuum. This vacuum is exploited by those who seek to disrupt the status quo and deconstruct the rights system, under the guise of allegedly “restoring” the rights of “vulnerable citizens”. We secure the rule of law only by demonstrating in practice its ability to create a fairer society. The European vision must be inclusive, fighting poverty and inequalities, as citizens only protect the systems they believe in. Human rights remain the leading road map for restoring citizens’ trust.”
