The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation
Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe brings together 46 member states around a common purpose: protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe.
At the heart of this system is the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. All Council of Europe member states have signed the Convention.
The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the member states. Individuals can bring complaints of human rights violations to the Strasbourg Court once all possibilities of appeal have been exhausted in the member state concerned.
46 Member states
700 million+ People
1949 Established
Our work
The Council of Europe works with its member states to advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe.
Through its international conventions, independent monitoring mechanisms and co-operation activities, the Council of Europe helps translate common European standards into concrete action.
Its work covers areas including freedom of expression and media freedom, equality, minority rights, the protection of children, the fight against corruption and terrorism, judicial reform, violence against women, cybercrime and trafficking in human beings.
- Protect human rights
The Council of Europe safeguards fundamental rights and freedoms through European conventions, standards and monitoring mechanisms.
- Strengthen democracy
It promotes democratic institutions, freedom of expression and assembly, equality and participation at local, regional and national level.
- Uphold the rule of law
It supports member states in strengthening justice, fighting corruption and upholding common legal standards.
Working together across Europe and beyond
The Council of Europe works in close partnership with the European Union and co-operates with the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and partner countries in Europe’s neighbourhood and worldwide.
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