Civil society participation

The Council of Europe welcomes and promotes the widest participation of civil society, including in its intergovernmental work. Interested organisations from civil society may participate in the work of the committee as observers. 

The following may send representatives to the CDPC meetings, without the right to vote and without defrayal of expenses (updated 1 October 2026):

  • European Union (one or more representatives, including, as appropriate, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA));
  • Observer States to the Council of Europe: Canada, Holy See, Japan, Mexico, United States of America;
  • United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC);
  • International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL);
  • United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI);
  • Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR);
  • International Criminal Court (ICC);
  • European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI);
  • Organisation of American States (OAS);
  • Ibero-American Network for International Legal Co-operation (IberRed);
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (for migration purposes).

 How to become an observer

Observer status may be requested in accordance with Article 8 of Resolution CM/Res(2021)3-consolidated on intergovernmental committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods. Requests sent to the Secretary General will be decided upon by the committee.

Contact: [email protected].