Human Rights and Victim Protection:

The Council of Europe’s Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT) places the protection of human rights and the support of victims at the centre of effective counter-terrorism efforts. Combating terrorism and violent extremism requires responses that uphold the rule of law, safeguard fundamental freedoms, and ensure justice for victims. This page brings together key CDCT resources to help member States integrate human rights safeguards and victim‑centred approaches into legal, policy, and operational frameworks.

To strengthen cooperation on the rights and legal standing of victims of terrorism, the CDCT established a Network of Single Contact Points for the exchange of procedural information regarding victims in 2019. This Network facilitates the timely and secure sharing of information between designated national contact points, helping ensure victims’ access to justice and support across borders. Open to Council of Europe member States as well as other interested States (36 members), this initiative highlights the Organisation’s commitment to victim protection as a key element of counter-terrorism efforts.

Resources:

• European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes [ETS No.116] (1983)
   
• Committee of Minister's Guidelines on support services and other measures for victims of terrorism (2026)
• Committee of Ministers’ Guidelines for public and private sector authorities on preparedness and emergency responses to the immediate aftermath of terrorist attacks (2024)
• Revised Committee of Ministers' Guidelines on Human Rights and the Fight against Terrorism (2017)
• Committee of Ministers' Recommendation on Special investigation techniques in relation to serious crimes including acts of terrorism (2017)
• Committee of Ministers’ Guidelines on protecting freedom of expression and information in times of crisis (2008)
• Committee of Ministers' Recommendation on assistance to crime victims (2006)
• Committee of Ministers' Recommendation on the protection of witnesses and collaborators of justice (2005)
• Committee of Ministers' Guidelines on the Protection of Victims of Terrorist Acts (2005)
• Declaration on freedom of expression and information in the media in the context of the fight against terrorism (2005)
   
• PACE Resolution 1840 (2011) on Human rights and the fight against terrorism
• PACE Recommendation 1706 (2005) on Media and terrorism
• PACE Recommendation 1644 (2004) on Terrorism: a threat to democracies
• PACE Recommendation 1550 (2002) and Resolution 1271 (2002) on Combating Terrorism and Respect for Human Rights