CoE Commissioner for Human Rights expresses concern over illegal care homes case in Romania

22 July 2026 The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, addressed an open letter to Romanian acting prime minister Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday, July 21, expressing concern over the issue of the unauthorized care homes operating in Bihor County, western Romania. The letter follows a visit to Romania that O’Flaherty conducted in May of this year, during which he gained “deep insights into the human rights situation of older persons in residential care.” The CoE official noted that Romania achieved progress in reforming social services in recent years. “I was encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by many of those working in care homes,” he said. The visit also revealed problems. “Older people and others in care institutions continue to be regarded as beneficiarie