OREANDA-NEWS. July 2, 2008. The Conference’s theme is "The role of public prosecution in the protection of human rights and public interests outside the criminal law field".

Mr Medvedev’s message said, in particular:

“Your forum is set to examine a broad range of issues concerning the application of the European human rights standards cemented in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. Successful application of these standards plays a very important part in ensuring reliable protection for our citizens and the consequent stable development of society.

National and international human rights protection mechanisms are both in need of improvement today, especially given emerging new threats and challenges. Acting in respect for the principles of the rule of law and international obligations, each state must determine its own institutional and legal mechanisms for carrying out its functions, including its responsibilities for protecting the public interest.

I am sure that the proposals and ideas this conference gives rise to will help to shape common European approaches to prosecutors’ work and facilitate more effective protection of civil rights and freedoms”.

The conference has been jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation General Prosecutor’s Office and will take place in the Konstantin Palace near St Petersburg on July 2-3. Prosecutors-General from 47 European countries will take part.