The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation
The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human-rights organisation. Founded in 1949, it brings together 46 member states to protect human rights, strengthen democracy and uphold the rule of law across Europe.
To do this, we set standards – which European countries sign up to in their legislation or in treaties – and then help countries meet those standards.
At the heart of our human-rights-protection system is the European Convention on Human Rights, which sets out fundamental rights and freedoms of 700 million people across the continent.
46
Member states
700M+
People
1949
Established
Our work
The Council of Europe works with its 46 member states to turn shared European standards into concrete action through international conventions, independent monitoring mechanisms and cooperation programmes.
The organisation has devised and monitors more than 230 international treaties, many of which are key to improving the lives of Europeans and their societies, and combatting problems varying from hate speech to cybercrime, abuse in prisons to drugs in sport, children’s rights to trafficking in human beings.
Human rights
Protecting fundamental rights and freedoms through European human rights standards, conventions and independent monitoring mechanisms.
Democracy
Strengthening democratic institutions and citizen participation through European standards, good governance and international cooperation.
Rule of law
Promoting independent justice and legal certainty through European standards, judicial reform and international co-operation.
Our Priorities and initiatives
Our current main priorities are:
- Support for Ukraine following its invasion by Russia;
- Moving towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe in order to reinforce democratic security, as a compliment to military security, to counteract threats to our democratic societies.
Our institutions
Discover the institutions and bodies that shape, implement and monitor the Council of Europe's work.
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.
Council of Europe or European Union?
The Council of Europe and the European Union are two distinct organisations. Based in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe brings together 46 member states to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Discover how their roles and institutions differ.
Stay Informed
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