Perspectivas / Perspectives

Sofia, July 1 (DP.net).– The Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty is conducting a five days visit to the country. The Commissioner will focus during his visit primarily on issues pertaining to the human rights of older persons in residential care. He will also address issues concerning the human rights of Roma people, with particular attention to housing rights.

O'Flaherty urgently demanded action from Bulgaria's Prime Minister following the illegal demolition of Roma homes in Sofia's Zaharna Fabrika, which left over 200 people, including vulnerable groups, homeless. The Commissioner highlighted defiance of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) orders, cited a lack of basic sanitation and shelter, and demanded immediate relief alongside long-term, consultative housing solutions.

Key events and actions during the visit include:

• Long-Term Care Inspections: The Commissioner visited urban and rural residential care facilities in the Varna region, with a specific focus on dementia care.
• High-Level Dialogue: O'Flaherty is meeting with key government and civic stakeholders, including Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova and the Mayor of Varna, to discuss systemic human rights issues.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Further evaluations and meetings with local non-governmental organizations and rights groups are being held in Sofia throughout the rest of the week.

The complete, official end-of-mission declaration summarizing his 2026 findings will be made public immediately following the conclusion of his visit on July 3. You will be able to read the full text on the Council of Europe Newsroom Portal  or the official Commissioner's Bulgaria Country Page.