News

The Irish Centre for Human Rights in the School of Law at University of Galway was honoured to welcome Dr. Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, for a guest lecture titled “Europe’s Human Rights Challenges; the Role of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner” on Thursday, 30 October 2025.

In his address, Commissioner O’Flaherty reflected on the pressing human rights challenges currently facing Europe and the world. In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking address, he touched on the human rights impacts of climate change, growing restrictions on migration, attacks on vulnerable communities and restrictions on freedom of expression. Commissioner O’Flaherty provided valuable insights into how the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner works to uphold human rights standards across member states, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, accountability, and sustained commitment to democratic values.

The lecture drew a diverse audience of students, academics, legal professionals, and members of the public. Dr. O’Flaherty’s remarks underscored the vital role of human rights education and advocacy in addressing Europe’s evolving social and political landscape, and its place in the wider world.

A Galway native, Dr. O’Flaherty was elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in January 2024 as the fifth Commissioner for Human Rights — for a six-year term. His distinguished career spans leadership roles as Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (2015–2023), Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and member of the UN Human Rights Committee, as well as academic appointments at the Universities of Nottingham, Galway, Maynooth, and University College Dublin.

University of Galway was privileged to host this important lecture, reaffirming its commitment to promoting dialogue on human rights and global justice.