| MONACO Principality of Monaco Principaute de Monaco Joined United Nations: 28 May 1993 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/27/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Monaco
32,965 (July 2010 est.)
Prince Albert II assumed the crown upon the death of his father
Prince Rainer III who ruled for nearly 56 years. Princess Caroline,
Albert's sister, became the heir presumptive upon his ascension to
the throne
Next scheduled election: None. The monarchy is hereditary
Prince Rainer III who ruled for nearly 56 years. Princess Caroline,
Albert's sister, became the heir presumptive upon his ascension to
the throne
Next scheduled election: None. The monarchy is hereditary
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three
French national candidates presented by the French Government
Next scheduled election: none, serves at the pleasure of
the monarch
French national candidates presented by the French Government
Next scheduled election: none, serves at the pleasure of
the monarch
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy with no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters
(quartiers, singular - quartier); Legal system is based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates
presented by the French Government
Next scheduled elections: none, the monarchy is hereditary and the chief of state serves at the pleasure of the monarch
Legislative: Unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by
proportional representation; to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 3 February 2008 (next to be held February 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National
Council)
(quartiers, singular - quartier); Legal system is based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates
presented by the French Government
Next scheduled elections: none, the monarchy is hereditary and the chief of state serves at the pleasure of the monarch
Legislative: Unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by
proportional representation; to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 3 February 2008 (next to be held February 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National
Council)
| LANGUAGES |
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Rock of Monaco served as a shelter for the area's early inhabitants from the end of the Paleolithic period, approximately
300,000 BC, evidence of which has been found in a cave in St. Martin's Gardens. According to the accounts of historian Diodorus
Siculus and geographer Strabo, the area's first permanent settlers were the mountain-dwelling Ligures, who emigrated from their
native city of Genoa, Italy. However, the ancient Ligurian language, which was apparently not Indo-European, is not connected to
the Italian dialect spoken by the modern inhabitants of Liguria, nor to the modern Monegasque language. The Phocaeans of
Massalia founded the colony of Monoikos, named for its Ligurian inhabitants, in the 6th century B.C. in the area now known as
Monaco. Monoikos was associated with Hercules, venerated in this location alone as Hercules Monoecus. After the Gallic Wars,
Monoecus, which served as a stopping-point for Julius Caesar on his way to campaign in Greece, fell under Roman control as part
of the Maritime Alps province (Gallia Transalpina). Monaco remained under Roman control until the collapse of the Western
Roman Empire in 476, from which point the area was ravaged by Saracens and various barbarian tribes. Though these raids left the
area almost entirely depopulated, the Saracens were expelled in 975, and by the 11th century area was again populated by
Ligurians. In 1191, Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI granted suzerainty over the area to the city of Genoa, the native home of the
Ligurians. On June 10, 1215, a detachment of Genoese Ghibellines led by Fulco del Cassello began the construction of a fortress
atop the Rock of Monaco. This date is often cited as the beginning of Monaco's modern history. The Grimaldis, descended from
Otto Canella and taking their name from his son Grimaldo, were an ancient and prominent Guelphic Genoese family who, in the
course of the civil strife in Genoa between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, took refuge in Monaco, accompanied by various other
Guelphic families, most notably the Fieschis. François Grimaldi seized the Rock of Monaco in 1297; the area remained under the
control of the Grimaldi family to the present day, except when under French control from 1793 to May 17, 1814. Designated as a
protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna after Napoleon's defeat, Monaco's sovereignty was
confirmed by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. The Prince of Monaco was an absolute ruler until a constitution was
promulgated in 1911. In July 1918, a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. While Prince Louis II'
sympathies were strongly pro-French, he tried to keep Monaco neutral during World War II but supported the Vichy French
government of his old army colleague, Marshall Philippe Pétain. Nonetheless, his tiny principality was tormented by domestic
conflict partly as a result of Louis' indecisiveness, and also because the majority of the population was of Italian descent; many of
them supported the fascist regime of Italy's Benito Mussolini. In 1943, the Italian Army invaded and occupied Monaco, setting up a
fascist puppet government. Soon after, following Mussolini's fall in Italy, the German Army occupied Monaco and began the
deportation of the Jewish population. The current ruler, Prince Albert II, succeeded his father Prince Rainier III in 2005. Prince
Rainier, in turn, had acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, in 1949. The revised Constitution
of Monaco, proclaimed in 1962, abolished capital punishment, provided for female suffrage, established a Supreme Court to
guarantee fundamental liberties and made it difficult for a French national to transfer his or her residence there. In 1993, Monaco
became an official member of the United Nations with full voting rights.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Monaco
300,000 BC, evidence of which has been found in a cave in St. Martin's Gardens. According to the accounts of historian Diodorus
Siculus and geographer Strabo, the area's first permanent settlers were the mountain-dwelling Ligures, who emigrated from their
native city of Genoa, Italy. However, the ancient Ligurian language, which was apparently not Indo-European, is not connected to
the Italian dialect spoken by the modern inhabitants of Liguria, nor to the modern Monegasque language. The Phocaeans of
Massalia founded the colony of Monoikos, named for its Ligurian inhabitants, in the 6th century B.C. in the area now known as
Monaco. Monoikos was associated with Hercules, venerated in this location alone as Hercules Monoecus. After the Gallic Wars,
Monoecus, which served as a stopping-point for Julius Caesar on his way to campaign in Greece, fell under Roman control as part
of the Maritime Alps province (Gallia Transalpina). Monaco remained under Roman control until the collapse of the Western
Roman Empire in 476, from which point the area was ravaged by Saracens and various barbarian tribes. Though these raids left the
area almost entirely depopulated, the Saracens were expelled in 975, and by the 11th century area was again populated by
Ligurians. In 1191, Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI granted suzerainty over the area to the city of Genoa, the native home of the
Ligurians. On June 10, 1215, a detachment of Genoese Ghibellines led by Fulco del Cassello began the construction of a fortress
atop the Rock of Monaco. This date is often cited as the beginning of Monaco's modern history. The Grimaldis, descended from
Otto Canella and taking their name from his son Grimaldo, were an ancient and prominent Guelphic Genoese family who, in the
course of the civil strife in Genoa between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, took refuge in Monaco, accompanied by various other
Guelphic families, most notably the Fieschis. François Grimaldi seized the Rock of Monaco in 1297; the area remained under the
control of the Grimaldi family to the present day, except when under French control from 1793 to May 17, 1814. Designated as a
protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna after Napoleon's defeat, Monaco's sovereignty was
confirmed by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. The Prince of Monaco was an absolute ruler until a constitution was
promulgated in 1911. In July 1918, a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. While Prince Louis II'
sympathies were strongly pro-French, he tried to keep Monaco neutral during World War II but supported the Vichy French
government of his old army colleague, Marshall Philippe Pétain. Nonetheless, his tiny principality was tormented by domestic
conflict partly as a result of Louis' indecisiveness, and also because the majority of the population was of Italian descent; many of
them supported the fascist regime of Italy's Benito Mussolini. In 1943, the Italian Army invaded and occupied Monaco, setting up a
fascist puppet government. Soon after, following Mussolini's fall in Italy, the German Army occupied Monaco and began the
deportation of the Jewish population. The current ruler, Prince Albert II, succeeded his father Prince Rainier III in 2005. Prince
Rainier, in turn, had acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, in 1949. The revised Constitution
of Monaco, proclaimed in 1962, abolished capital punishment, provided for female suffrage, established a Supreme Court to
guarantee fundamental liberties and made it difficult for a French national to transfer his or her residence there. In 1993, Monaco
became an official member of the United Nations with full voting rights.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Monaco
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The
principality also is a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added,
nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have
established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. The state retains monopolies in a number of
sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in
prosperous French metropolitan areas.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Monaco)
principality also is a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added,
nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have
established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. The state retains monopolies in a number of
sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in
prosperous French metropolitan areas.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Monaco)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The politics of Monaco have traditionally been under the autocratic control of the Prince of Monaco, and from its founding the
principality was a monarchy ruled by the House of Grimaldi; however, with the creation of a Constitution in 1911, the Prince
relinquished his autocratic rule and the principality became a constitutional monarchy. Though he remains the head of state, some of
his former power is now devolved to several advisory and legislative bodies.
A first Constitution of Monaco was adopted in 1911 and a new one, awarded by Prince Rainier III on December 17, 1962,
outlines legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, which consist of several administrative offices and a number of
councils. Despite having relinquished some of his formerly absolute power, the Prince of Monaco remains head of state and retains
most of the country's governing power; however, the principality's judicial and legislative bodies may operate independent of his
control.
The Council of Government is under the authority of the prince. The prince is hereditary, the minister of state appointed by the
monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government. The prince is advised by the Crown
Council of Monaco.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Marshall Islands
principality was a monarchy ruled by the House of Grimaldi; however, with the creation of a Constitution in 1911, the Prince
relinquished his autocratic rule and the principality became a constitutional monarchy. Though he remains the head of state, some of
his former power is now devolved to several advisory and legislative bodies.
A first Constitution of Monaco was adopted in 1911 and a new one, awarded by Prince Rainier III on December 17, 1962,
outlines legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, which consist of several administrative offices and a number of
councils. Despite having relinquished some of his formerly absolute power, the Prince of Monaco remains head of state and retains
most of the country's governing power; however, the principality's judicial and legislative bodies may operate independent of his
control.
The Council of Government is under the authority of the prince. The prince is hereditary, the minister of state appointed by the
monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government. The prince is advised by the Crown
Council of Monaco.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Marshall Islands
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Monaco
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Principality of Monaco has a resident population of 35,000, of whom approximately 7,000 have Monegasque citizenship. It is a
constitutional monarchy in which the sovereign prince plays the leading governmental role. The prince appoints the government
consisting of a minister of state chosen from a list proposed by the French government and five counselors responsible for finance,
interior, health and social affairs, environment and city planning, and external affairs. The prince shares the country's legislative power
with the popularly elected 24-member National Council. In February 2008 the principality held multiparty elections for the National
Council; they were considered free and fair. The National Council meets at least twice a year to consider bills proposed by the prince's
government. The prince may dissolve the National Council at any time provided that new elections are held within three months. The
Crown Council must also be consulted before ratification of international treaties or substantive changes in the principality's citizenship
laws. The Crown Council has seven members, three chosen directly by the prince and four chosen by the prince from nominees put
forward by the National Council.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Principality of Monaco has a resident population of 35,000, of whom approximately 7,000 have Monegasque citizenship. It is a
constitutional monarchy in which the sovereign prince plays the leading governmental role. The prince appoints the government
consisting of a minister of state chosen from a list proposed by the French government and five counselors responsible for finance,
interior, health and social affairs, environment and city planning, and external affairs. The prince shares the country's legislative power
with the popularly elected 24-member National Council. In February 2008 the principality held multiparty elections for the National
Council; they were considered free and fair. The National Council meets at least twice a year to consider bills proposed by the prince's
government. The prince may dissolve the National Council at any time provided that new elections are held within three months. The
Crown Council must also be consulted before ratification of international treaties or substantive changes in the principality's citizenship
laws. The Crown Council has seven members, three chosen directly by the prince and four chosen by the prince from nominees put
forward by the National Council.
- The electoral system allows citizens to change many aspects of their government, but there is no constitutional provision to allow
the citizens to change the monarchical nature of the government.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
October 28 2008
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Ninety-fourth session Geneva, 13-31 October 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Observations of the Committee on Human Rights
MONACO
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the second periodic report of Monaco and in particular the information further to its previous
recommendations. The Committee also welcomes the responses that have been made in writing to its list of issues and information given
during consideration of the report. The Committee noted that the delegation included representatives from corporate branches playing a
key role in implementing the Covenant.
B. Follow up measures and progress achieved
3. The Committee welcomes the amendment of the Constitution of 1962 by Law No. 1249 of 2002 which establishes the principle of
independence of the judiciary and the legality of administrative acts by the Supreme Court.
4. The Committee welcomes the legislative progress made in achieving equality between men and women and in particular the adoption
of the following laws:
a) Act No. 1276 of 22 December 2003 that laid naturalized Monegasque women can pass on their nationality to their children.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
6. While noting the explanations provided by the State party in its written replies to the list of issues, the Committee reiterates its concern
about the existence of declarations and reservations made upon ratification of the Covenant.
The Committee recommends that the State party review its reservations and declarations and to reduce the number, given their obsolete
and unnecessary in the wake of developments in the State party, including those relating to articles 13 , 14 (§ 5), 19 and 25 (c) of the
Covenant.
Click here to read more »
October 28 2008
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Ninety-fourth session Geneva, 13-31 October 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Observations of the Committee on Human Rights
MONACO
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the second periodic report of Monaco and in particular the information further to its previous
recommendations. The Committee also welcomes the responses that have been made in writing to its list of issues and information given
during consideration of the report. The Committee noted that the delegation included representatives from corporate branches playing a
key role in implementing the Covenant.
B. Follow up measures and progress achieved
3. The Committee welcomes the amendment of the Constitution of 1962 by Law No. 1249 of 2002 which establishes the principle of
independence of the judiciary and the legality of administrative acts by the Supreme Court.
4. The Committee welcomes the legislative progress made in achieving equality between men and women and in particular the adoption
of the following laws:
a) Act No. 1276 of 22 December 2003 that laid naturalized Monegasque women can pass on their nationality to their children.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
6. While noting the explanations provided by the State party in its written replies to the list of issues, the Committee reiterates its concern
about the existence of declarations and reservations made upon ratification of the Covenant.
The Committee recommends that the State party review its reservations and declarations and to reduce the number, given their obsolete
and unnecessary in the wake of developments in the State party, including those relating to articles 13 , 14 (§ 5), 19 and 25 (c) of the
Covenant.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In a move toward greater financial transparency, Prince Albert II announced in March 2009 that foreign tax authorities will be given
greater access to information on foreign account holders in Monaco. In April, Monaco’s parliament voted to legalize abortion under
certain conditions.
In an ongoing attempt to remove itself from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) list of
uncooperative tax havens, Prince Albert announced plans to allow for greater financial transparency in March 2009. Monaco plans to
begin granting foreign tax authorities access to information about foreign tax holder accounts in the principality. By September, Monaco
had signed agreements with 12 countries to provide greater transparency and had made the OECD “white list” by October.
On April 1, the parliament voted to legalize abortion in cases where the mother’s life is at risk due to pregnancy, the fetus has an
incurable disease, or the pregnancy was the result of rape or domestic violence.
In December, Prince Albert revisited plans to expand the principality by building into the Mediterranean Sea. The plans were first
announced in 2008 but were scrapped due to the financial crisis and environmental concerns.
Monaco is an electoral democracy. However, the prince, who serves as head of state, has the sole authority to initiate legislation and
change the government. The 24 members of the unicameral Conseil National are elected for five-year terms; 16 are chosen through a
majority electoral system and 8 by proportional representation.
The head of government, known as the minister of state, is traditionally appointed by the monarch from a list of three candidates, all
French nationals, presented by the French government. The current minister of state, Jean-Paul Proust, has held the post since June
2005.The prince also appoints five other ministers (counselors), who make up the cabinet. All legislation and the budget require the
assent of the Conseil National, which is currently dominated by the UPM party. The only other party represented is REM, which holds
three seats.
Because of a lack of available financial information, the country’s level of corruption is difficult to measure. Monaco was not ranked by
Transparency International in its 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index. Monaco remains on the OECD list of uncooperative tax havens,
but since July 2005, it has applied a withholding tax to accounts held by citizens of EU member states. Most of the resulting revenue
goes back to the country where the account holder resides. In March 2009, Prince Albert II announced that the principality would start
providing foreign tax authorities with information on foreign account holders.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In a move toward greater financial transparency, Prince Albert II announced in March 2009 that foreign tax authorities will be given
greater access to information on foreign account holders in Monaco. In April, Monaco’s parliament voted to legalize abortion under
certain conditions.
In an ongoing attempt to remove itself from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) list of
uncooperative tax havens, Prince Albert announced plans to allow for greater financial transparency in March 2009. Monaco plans to
begin granting foreign tax authorities access to information about foreign tax holder accounts in the principality. By September, Monaco
had signed agreements with 12 countries to provide greater transparency and had made the OECD “white list” by October.
On April 1, the parliament voted to legalize abortion in cases where the mother’s life is at risk due to pregnancy, the fetus has an
incurable disease, or the pregnancy was the result of rape or domestic violence.
In December, Prince Albert revisited plans to expand the principality by building into the Mediterranean Sea. The plans were first
announced in 2008 but were scrapped due to the financial crisis and environmental concerns.
Monaco is an electoral democracy. However, the prince, who serves as head of state, has the sole authority to initiate legislation and
change the government. The 24 members of the unicameral Conseil National are elected for five-year terms; 16 are chosen through a
majority electoral system and 8 by proportional representation.
The head of government, known as the minister of state, is traditionally appointed by the monarch from a list of three candidates, all
French nationals, presented by the French government. The current minister of state, Jean-Paul Proust, has held the post since June
2005.The prince also appoints five other ministers (counselors), who make up the cabinet. All legislation and the budget require the
assent of the Conseil National, which is currently dominated by the UPM party. The only other party represented is REM, which holds
three seats.
Because of a lack of available financial information, the country’s level of corruption is difficult to measure. Monaco was not ranked by
Transparency International in its 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index. Monaco remains on the OECD list of uncooperative tax havens,
but since July 2005, it has applied a withholding tax to accounts held by citizens of EU member states. Most of the resulting revenue
goes back to the country where the account holder resides. In March 2009, Prince Albert II announced that the principality would start
providing foreign tax authorities with information on foreign account holders.
Click here to read more »
Suggested recommendations to states included in the fifth round of
Universal Periodic Review
May 2009
Recommendations to the government of Monaco
International Criminal Court
· To promptly ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, signed on 18 July 1998, and implement it in national law;
· To accede to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Courtand implement it in national law.
Click here to read more »
Universal Periodic Review
May 2009
Recommendations to the government of Monaco
International Criminal Court
· To promptly ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, signed on 18 July 1998, and implement it in national law;
· To accede to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Courtand implement it in national law.
Click here to read more »
Monaco
August 1, 2000
Monaco: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
The Principality of Monaco ratified the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) on 17 November 1998, and it entered into force for Monaco on 1 May
1999. It voted in favor of the pro-ban United Nations General Assembly resolutions in 1997 and 1998, and co-sponsored and voted in
favor of the December 1999 resolution. Monaco has not submitted its initial implementation report as required by Article 7, which was
due by 27 October 1999.
Click here to read more »
August 1, 2000
Monaco: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
The Principality of Monaco ratified the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) on 17 November 1998, and it entered into force for Monaco on 1 May
1999. It voted in favor of the pro-ban United Nations General Assembly resolutions in 1997 and 1998, and co-sponsored and voted in
favor of the December 1999 resolution. Monaco has not submitted its initial implementation report as required by Article 7, which was
due by 27 October 1999.
Click here to read more »
Michel Roger meets the press
Thu, 2010-04-01 10:48 — Lydia
Promises press freedom and regular meetings with Monaco's journalists.
On Tuesday afternoon, new Minister of State Michel Roger gave his first press conference surrounded by Government colleagues. He
spoke about the communication campaign and the recent opinion polls that reflect Monaco's special image around the world. In the next
few weeks, the main thrust of the communication strategy will be presented to Prince Albert and set in motion. Roger reassured the
audience that he believed in and would defend the freedom of the press.
Two days later, on Thursday, Michel Roger was received by the President of the National Council Jean-Francois Robillon. During the
meeting, the two men discussed housing, Monegasque national priority, and re-establishing trust between the Government and
Parliament, which weakened following the G20 crisis and the Tour Odeon problems. In future, a new way of working together is to be
implemented, based on regular, open exchanges, and sharing all dossiers of national interest. Roger spoke to members of the majority
party about the difficulties of legislative work and the time taken in exchanging documents with the Government. Leaders of minority
parties raised the issue of the future legal organization of parliament, questions of finance, and the media's treatment of political parties.
Roger and Robillon will meet again on 7th April during the public opening of the National Council's 2010 spring session.
Click here to read more »
Thu, 2010-04-01 10:48 — Lydia
Promises press freedom and regular meetings with Monaco's journalists.
On Tuesday afternoon, new Minister of State Michel Roger gave his first press conference surrounded by Government colleagues. He
spoke about the communication campaign and the recent opinion polls that reflect Monaco's special image around the world. In the next
few weeks, the main thrust of the communication strategy will be presented to Prince Albert and set in motion. Roger reassured the
audience that he believed in and would defend the freedom of the press.
Two days later, on Thursday, Michel Roger was received by the President of the National Council Jean-Francois Robillon. During the
meeting, the two men discussed housing, Monegasque national priority, and re-establishing trust between the Government and
Parliament, which weakened following the G20 crisis and the Tour Odeon problems. In future, a new way of working together is to be
implemented, based on regular, open exchanges, and sharing all dossiers of national interest. Roger spoke to members of the majority
party about the difficulties of legislative work and the time taken in exchanging documents with the Government. Leaders of minority
parties raised the issue of the future legal organization of parliament, questions of finance, and the media's treatment of political parties.
Roger and Robillon will meet again on 7th April during the public opening of the National Council's 2010 spring session.
Click here to read more »
The Public prosecutor’s Office
The public prosecutor’s office is a unique body of magistrates whose mission is to supervise public order, to investigate and prosecute
crimes and offences and to ensure, in the name of the Prince, the execution of laws and judicial rulings.
* Organisation
The public prosecutor is at the head of the public prosecutor’s office.
A first deputy public prosecutor, a deputy public prosecutor and other deputy prosecutors support the public prosecutor. As their titles
suggest, each of these magistrates can substitute for the public prosecutor and, therefore, represent the public prosecutor’s office before
any jurisdiction (1) and in all judicial or jurisdictional functions.
To carry out his missions, the public prosecutor is further aided by the administrative services composed of a secretary-general, under
the clerk’s statute established by law no. 1228 of 10th July 2000, as well as by secretarial agents. The public prosecutor is hierarchically
superior to them under the authority of the director of the court.
(1) With the exception of the justice of the peace under the jurisdiction of the police, i.e.: when ruling on infringements; in fact, before
this jurisdiction, the functions of the public prosecutor’s office are performed by a police officer (cf. code of penal procedure, art. 425).
* Missions
The public prosecutor’s office is represented before all original judicial jurisdictions and appeal and review jurisdictions, as well as before
those of a constitutional or administrative nature. Here the public prosecutor’s office carries out the functions devolved to the public
prosecutor covering law enforcement and the preservation and defence of the higher interests of society.
Before the Supreme Court, the public prosecutor is called on to pass rulings, as performed by government commissioners of supreme
constitutional and administrative jurisdictions in other countries.
Furthermore, the public prosecutor exercises powers both in the civil and penal domains.
Within the civil domain, he monitors civil status, the rights of the poor, of absent persons, of minors and of incapable persons. He
exercises his legal powers to give his opinion on all dossiers that are passed to him for rulings, requisitions or opinions. Overall, he can
intervene as a main party in any instance if he deems this necessary in order to preserve or defend the interests for which he is
responsible.
Within the penal domain, public action is led by the director of the court who is accorded powers similar to those exercised in other
countries by ministers of justice. However, the director of the court cannot directly exert public action. This mission is expressly given
to the public prosecutor. Despite the director’s authority, the public prosecutor disposes of full freedom of speech at hearings.
Responsible notably for the prosecution of crimes and offences, the public prosecutor manages the criminal investigation department.
This department identifies infractions of criminal law, gathers proof of the same and, where applicable, works towards the arrest of the
authors of the crimes (2). Within this framework, the public prosecutor receives denunciations and complaints which are directly
addressed to him as well as all reports and statements written by officers of the criminal investigation department and by agents
specifically empowered to identify offences (3).
The Prosecutor also monitors the activities of criminal investigation officers to whom he can issue cautions in the event of negligence.
For more serious professional malpractice, he can refer a matter to the court of appeal which can, after any enquiry that may be held,
suspend the officer involved from office, temporarily or permanently (4). The court can be referred to by the president of chamber to
the same end.
If the public prosecutor has a penal case referred to him, he can close the file without following up on it.
When the infraction is an offence, he can decide to cite the presumed author and, where applicable, his accomplices, before the
correctional tribunal either by writ or by summons served by the public prosecutor’s office.
Click here to read more »
The public prosecutor’s office is a unique body of magistrates whose mission is to supervise public order, to investigate and prosecute
crimes and offences and to ensure, in the name of the Prince, the execution of laws and judicial rulings.
* Organisation
The public prosecutor is at the head of the public prosecutor’s office.
A first deputy public prosecutor, a deputy public prosecutor and other deputy prosecutors support the public prosecutor. As their titles
suggest, each of these magistrates can substitute for the public prosecutor and, therefore, represent the public prosecutor’s office before
any jurisdiction (1) and in all judicial or jurisdictional functions.
To carry out his missions, the public prosecutor is further aided by the administrative services composed of a secretary-general, under
the clerk’s statute established by law no. 1228 of 10th July 2000, as well as by secretarial agents. The public prosecutor is hierarchically
superior to them under the authority of the director of the court.
(1) With the exception of the justice of the peace under the jurisdiction of the police, i.e.: when ruling on infringements; in fact, before
this jurisdiction, the functions of the public prosecutor’s office are performed by a police officer (cf. code of penal procedure, art. 425).
* Missions
The public prosecutor’s office is represented before all original judicial jurisdictions and appeal and review jurisdictions, as well as before
those of a constitutional or administrative nature. Here the public prosecutor’s office carries out the functions devolved to the public
prosecutor covering law enforcement and the preservation and defence of the higher interests of society.
Before the Supreme Court, the public prosecutor is called on to pass rulings, as performed by government commissioners of supreme
constitutional and administrative jurisdictions in other countries.
Furthermore, the public prosecutor exercises powers both in the civil and penal domains.
Within the civil domain, he monitors civil status, the rights of the poor, of absent persons, of minors and of incapable persons. He
exercises his legal powers to give his opinion on all dossiers that are passed to him for rulings, requisitions or opinions. Overall, he can
intervene as a main party in any instance if he deems this necessary in order to preserve or defend the interests for which he is
responsible.
Within the penal domain, public action is led by the director of the court who is accorded powers similar to those exercised in other
countries by ministers of justice. However, the director of the court cannot directly exert public action. This mission is expressly given
to the public prosecutor. Despite the director’s authority, the public prosecutor disposes of full freedom of speech at hearings.
Responsible notably for the prosecution of crimes and offences, the public prosecutor manages the criminal investigation department.
This department identifies infractions of criminal law, gathers proof of the same and, where applicable, works towards the arrest of the
authors of the crimes (2). Within this framework, the public prosecutor receives denunciations and complaints which are directly
addressed to him as well as all reports and statements written by officers of the criminal investigation department and by agents
specifically empowered to identify offences (3).
The Prosecutor also monitors the activities of criminal investigation officers to whom he can issue cautions in the event of negligence.
For more serious professional malpractice, he can refer a matter to the court of appeal which can, after any enquiry that may be held,
suspend the officer involved from office, temporarily or permanently (4). The court can be referred to by the president of chamber to
the same end.
If the public prosecutor has a penal case referred to him, he can close the file without following up on it.
When the infraction is an offence, he can decide to cite the presumed author and, where applicable, his accomplices, before the
correctional tribunal either by writ or by summons served by the public prosecutor’s office.
Click here to read more »
ISHR report on CERD's examination of Monaco,
15-16 February 2010
Last Updated on Monday, 08 March 2010
Monaco appeared before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 15 and 16 February 2010.[1] The delegation was
led by Mr Robert Fillon, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations Office in Geneva and
comprised of a multidisciplinary delegation.[2] Before answering a selection of questions from the list of issues, the head of the
delegation underlined in his initial statement that the abundance of reports that Monaco had to submit at the same time and the limited
staff available explain the delay in submitting the present report.[3] Mr. Fillon further emphasised that the phenomenon of racial
discrimination is very marginal, if not absent in Monaco. He explained that racial antagonisms do not exist in Monaco as multiculturalism
is a deep seeded part of the Monegasque distinctive identity. As a matter of fact, the Committee members commended Monaco for being
among very few States that explicitly express the benefits of pluralism. Nevertheless, the Committee members encouraged the State to
undertake preventive measures to repress manifestations of racial discrimination, especially through awareness raising trainings of
younger generations and law enforcement representatives.
Among the key issues addressed during the interactive dialogue were: the introduction of a formal definition of racial discrimination into
the State’s new Criminal Code in line with Article 1 of the Convention and the inclusion of racist, anti-Semitic or xenophobic motives as
aggravating circumstances for an offence; the question of the differentiated treatment favouring Monegasques, and only exceptionally
foreigners on account of their connection with Monaco, as an essential component of the social structure in the country, based upon the
Constitution itself; the measures undertaken by the State to prevent racial discrimination during naturalisation procedures, given that
Monegasque nationality is solely granted by the Prince of Monaco, who is not bound to provide reasons for his decisions; the possibility
for the State to revise articles 54 and 79 of the Constitution, stipulating that naturalised Monegasques must be citizens for 5 years before
becoming eligible to hold office in the National Council or at local level; the admission of foreigners on the national labour market and the
State’s intentions to become a member of the ILO and consequently ratify the ILO Convention No. 111, as also recommended during
the UPR; access to education for children whose parents are cross-border workers, and particularly for those who are non-francophone;
the non-ratification by Monaco of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; the question of interfaith dialogue and the
lack of official recognition of Islam; the criminalisation of certain acts of racial discrimination by existing texts such as the Act of 15
July 2005 on freedom of public expression and the Act of 23 December 1993, amended in 2008, on management of personal data; and
the possibility to add a new article to the Criminal Code, punishing computer-related offences of a racist nature or based on racial
discrimination.
The Committee members commended the Monegasque delegation for the comprehensive, detailed report and for the highly relevant
answers provided during the constructive dialogue. However, at the end of the examination, Mr Ewomsan, recommended the delegation
to include in the next report specific information on the treatment of Roma, given that Monaco is a transit country for these communities.
Click here to read more>>
15-16 February 2010
Last Updated on Monday, 08 March 2010
Monaco appeared before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 15 and 16 February 2010.[1] The delegation was
led by Mr Robert Fillon, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations Office in Geneva and
comprised of a multidisciplinary delegation.[2] Before answering a selection of questions from the list of issues, the head of the
delegation underlined in his initial statement that the abundance of reports that Monaco had to submit at the same time and the limited
staff available explain the delay in submitting the present report.[3] Mr. Fillon further emphasised that the phenomenon of racial
discrimination is very marginal, if not absent in Monaco. He explained that racial antagonisms do not exist in Monaco as multiculturalism
is a deep seeded part of the Monegasque distinctive identity. As a matter of fact, the Committee members commended Monaco for being
among very few States that explicitly express the benefits of pluralism. Nevertheless, the Committee members encouraged the State to
undertake preventive measures to repress manifestations of racial discrimination, especially through awareness raising trainings of
younger generations and law enforcement representatives.
Among the key issues addressed during the interactive dialogue were: the introduction of a formal definition of racial discrimination into
the State’s new Criminal Code in line with Article 1 of the Convention and the inclusion of racist, anti-Semitic or xenophobic motives as
aggravating circumstances for an offence; the question of the differentiated treatment favouring Monegasques, and only exceptionally
foreigners on account of their connection with Monaco, as an essential component of the social structure in the country, based upon the
Constitution itself; the measures undertaken by the State to prevent racial discrimination during naturalisation procedures, given that
Monegasque nationality is solely granted by the Prince of Monaco, who is not bound to provide reasons for his decisions; the possibility
for the State to revise articles 54 and 79 of the Constitution, stipulating that naturalised Monegasques must be citizens for 5 years before
becoming eligible to hold office in the National Council or at local level; the admission of foreigners on the national labour market and the
State’s intentions to become a member of the ILO and consequently ratify the ILO Convention No. 111, as also recommended during
the UPR; access to education for children whose parents are cross-border workers, and particularly for those who are non-francophone;
the non-ratification by Monaco of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; the question of interfaith dialogue and the
lack of official recognition of Islam; the criminalisation of certain acts of racial discrimination by existing texts such as the Act of 15
July 2005 on freedom of public expression and the Act of 23 December 1993, amended in 2008, on management of personal data; and
the possibility to add a new article to the Criminal Code, punishing computer-related offences of a racist nature or based on racial
discrimination.
The Committee members commended the Monegasque delegation for the comprehensive, detailed report and for the highly relevant
answers provided during the constructive dialogue. However, at the end of the examination, Mr Ewomsan, recommended the delegation
to include in the next report specific information on the treatment of Roma, given that Monaco is a transit country for these communities.
Click here to read more>>
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Prince Albert II
Sovereign since 6 April 2005
Sovereign since 6 April 2005
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Michel Roger
Minister of State since 29 March 2010
Minister of State since 29 March 2010
Princess Caroline of Hanover
Heir Presumptive since 6 April 2005
Heir Presumptive since 6 April 2005
