This update covers developments relating to the freedom of expression and association and the right to peaceful assembly in Andorra from 1st October 2025 to 24th July 2026.
GENERAL
First ICCPR review raises concern over total abortion ban
On 3rd March 2026, the Human Rights Committee concluded its first consideration of Andorra’s report on the implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The experts commended the broadening of the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman, and raised issues concerning abortion. Abortion is still illegal in all cases and punished by imprisonment. In its submission, the Andorran government acknowledged that the parliamentary co-principality system complicates regulatory changes on abortion, as a High-Representative of the Catholic Church is one of the Heads of State. The Government stated that a bill to address the issue would be submitted to parliament during the current legislative session (2023–2027). On 28th April 2026, the French President, who is also Co-Prince of Andorra, expressed his support for this development.
In July 2026, the Social Democratic parliamentary group submitted a proposal to reform the Penal Code, aiming to decriminalise voluntary termination of pregnancy during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, but it was rejected by the General Council. As of 29th July 2026, talks to move towards the decriminalisation of voluntary termination of pregnancy continue between the Executive and the Vatican.
ASSOCIATION
Labour Relations Act is amended to facilitate the representation of workers
Eight years after the adoption of the Labour Relations Act of 2018, collective representation in the private sector remains very limited. In its 2025 Conclusions, the European Committee of Social Rights has declared Andorra non-compliant with six of seven articles in the European Social Charter. One of the points relates to the insufficient promotion of trade union freedom, particularly in low-unionisation sectors like private industry, digital platforms and domestic work.
After several rounds of negotiation within the Economic and Social Council, trade union and employers’ organisations identified actions to promote the collective representation of workers and facilitate the process of choosing employee representatives. On 29th October 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the amendment of the Labour Relations Act, which was published in the Official gazette on 19th March 2026. The promotion of the elections is modified: it ceases to depend exclusively on employees, and it is possible for either the company to start the process or when 10% of the staff requests it confidentially. According to the Union of Trade Unions, the reform of the labour relations law gives workers more guarantee that they will not be fired due to their participation. This protection is also extended to unelected members six months after the election.
Grants to CSOs to promote a fairer, more democratic society
On 17th June 2026, the Council of Ministers approved the proposal by the Minister of Social Affairs to grant 81,435.34 euros in subsidies for programmes and projects in the social field to non-profit entities. The grants are going to nine projects promoted by the Association for the Defence of Young People at Risk, the Association of the Autism Spectrum of Andorra, COOPERAND with Latin America, Andorran Red Cross, Football Club Andorra, Marc GG Association, Life Project, TRANA-EM Association and La Xarranca – Creators Association. Another public call was opened to non-profit actors presenting international development cooperation projects.
799 associations were registered in 2025
On 23rd April 2026, the Department of Statistics released data on the number, type and location of registered associations in the country. The year 2025 closed with a total of 799 active associations in the Associations Register, a number similar to previous years.
EXPRESSION
Proposed ban on full-face veil
On 7th July 2026, the political party Andorra Forward (Andorra Endavant) registered a bill with the General Council on facial identification in public spaces. The 46-page text aims at outlawing full face covering and proposes fines of between 100 and 3,000 euros for infringement. The obligation to uncover one’s face would apply to all spaces open to the public.
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
Palestine
On 15th October 2025, at the call of the Citizens Movement For Palestine (Moviment Ciutada per Palestina), nearly a hundred people protested in Andorra la Vella to denounce the genocide in Gaza.
Decent housing
In April and May 2026, the Housing Union of Andorra (Sindicat d'Habitatge d'Andorra) organised various protests to oppose the unfreezing of rents, calling for the extension of the deadline for amendments to the current housing law. The union denounces real estate speculation, residential precariousness and an economic model that drives out the working population.
Women march to demand gender equality and the decriminalisation of abortion
On 8th March 2026, at the call of Feminist Action (Accio Feminista), around 200 people marched between Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany to demand gender equality and the decriminalisation of abortion in the country (see above). A few weeks later, the Head of the government announced that discussions with the Holy See were progressing on the issue of decriminalisation of abortion.
LGBTQI+
A Pride event took place on 27th June 2026 through Andorra la Vella’s streets under the slogan "Ni un pas enrere!" (Not one step back). The event was organised by the organisation Diversand, with support from the municipality and collaboration from GayAndorra, Pub In Situ, El Racó dels Sabors, and Roc del Queer Podcast.