A Conference on the theme "The role of the public prosecution in the protection of human rights and public interests outside the criminal law field" was held in Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) on 2-3 July 2008.

At the close of their two-day discussions dealing with the role of the Public Prosecution outside the criminal law field, the Prosecutors General of the 47 Council of Europe member states, stressed the importance for prosecution services to respect principles enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

The participants underlined that despite the absence of common European legal norms and rules regarding tasks, functions and organisation of prosecution services, in all Council of Europe member states, prosecutors have an important role and duty to protect human rights, safeguard the law and defend the public interest.