Monitoring member states’ compliance with human rights standards  is crucial to the Council of Europe's work. The Council of Europe carries out monitoring by conducting country visits to member states and by requiring governments to report on the reform measures they have taken. In addition to the judicial complaint mechanism provided by the European Court of Human Rights, the Council also provides for other individual and collective complaints systems such as the European Committee on Social Rights.

 

Compliance in law and practice

The principal role of monitoring is to ensure that member states are complying in both law and practice with the Council of Europe’s human rights standards and obligations. When member states have difficulty in meeting their obligations the monitoring bodies will offer advice and assistance on possible reforms.

The following bodies of the Council of Europe have a role to play in the monitoring of the protection of children’s rights: