State of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Populism – How strong are Europe’s checks and balances?

Table of contents
CHAPTER 1 – EFFICIENT, IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARIES
Introduction
Judicial independence
Efficiency of court proceedings
Enforcement of court decisions
Legality and legal certainty
Access to legal aid
Lawyer professionalism
CHAPTER 2 – FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Introduction
Legal guarantees for freedom of expression
Protection of journalists and other media actors
Media independence
Media pluralism and diversity
Freedom of expression on the internet
CHAPTER 3 – FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
Introduction
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of association
CHAPTER 4 – DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Introduction
Free and fair elections
Functioning of democratic institutions
Decentralisation
Good governance
CHAPTER 5 – INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES
Introduction
Social rights
Non-discrimination and integration policies
Access to rights and integration of refugees and migrants
Education and culture for democracy
Engaging young peopleThis is the fourth annual report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. As with previous reports, the five chapters look at the key building blocks of democratic security:

+ efficient, impartial and independent judiciaries
+ freedom of expression
+ freedom of assembly and freedom of association
+ democratic institutions
+ inclusive societies.

The report’s analysis of Council of Europe member states’ strengths and weaknesses in these areas can be used to assess their resilience to the challenges posed by populism

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: State of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe - A security imperative for Europe. Report by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/state-of-democracy-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-in-europe-a-security-imperative-for-europe-report-by-the-secretary-general-of-the-council-of-europe-2016/

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