Commissioner for Human Rights

On May 7 prof. Irena Lipowicz took part in a panel discussion organized on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) held in Vienna. The other panelists were: Magdaléna Vášáryová (Slovakia), prof. Inotai András (Hungary), prof. Barbara Hinterstoisser (Austria).

In her statement the Ombudsman pointed out that there is a growing need to combat social and economic tensions between Northern and Southern Europe. She encouraged the Institute to take action to promote the exchange of experiences between countries in the region especially in the field of medical services towards the elderly. She informed about the planned 2^nd Senior Congress to take place on September 16-17 in Chorzow, Poland.

Professor Lipowicz stressed the need to consider developing an international meeting center within the Mauthausen-Gusen Memorial, which could strengthen Austria’s educational actions towards the youth from the region in the spirit of tolerance and cooperation.