Writing in the StateCareAndMore.eu was relegated to the 'back seat' of my life for a few weeks, while I attended a number of overseas seminars related to Human Rights and to the OPCAT. On the other hand, these seminars presented their own opportunities, including an opportunity to follow a presentation by the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg. The gentleman is wise and experienced, as is to be expected from the holder of such a position. He also writes brief articles on Human Rights problems in Europe. His publications include Human Rights in Europe: time to honour our pledges (April 2009).

Highly recommended reading, not only for persons interested in the field, but also for those who are actually in a position to make a change; which is basically everybody. For example, we can all keep in mind and try to address even in the smallest of ways the needs, rights and interests of the aged (Hammarberg, pp. 16-20). After all, day by day, we all approach that stage in our own lives. Living in a non-corrupt society is also something we can all contribute towards achieving (Hammarberg, pp. 41-47).

Human Rights in Europe: time to honour our pledges is available (free of charge) online at http://www.coe.int/t/commissioner/Viewpoints/publication2009_EN.pdf.