The European Social Charter, the human rights treaty on social and economic rights, guarantees the right to protection of health in Article 11 which complements Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights - as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights - by imposing a range of positive obligations designed to secure its effective exercise. The rights relating to health embodied in the two treaties are inextricably linked, since “human dignity is the fundamental value and indeed the core of positive European human rights law – whether under the European Social Charter or under the European Convention of Human Rights - and health care is a prerequisite for the preservation of human dignity”.

States Parties to the Charter must ensure the best possible state of health for the population according to existing knowledge. Health systems must respond appropriately to avoidable health risks, i.e. ones that can be controlled by human action. The main indicators are life expectancy and the principal causes of death. These indicators must show an improvement and not be too far behind the European average. Infant and maternal mortality are good indicators of how well a particular country’s overall health system is operating. States Parties must provide appropriate and timely care on a non-discriminatory basis, including services relating to sexual and reproductive health. The cost of health care must not represent an excessively heavy burden for the individual. Out-of-pocket payments should not be the main source of funding of the health system and steps must be taken to reduce the financial burden on patients from the most disadvantaged sections of the community. The number of health care professionals and equipment must be adequate.

Under Article 11 of the Charter, there must be free and regular consultation and screening for pregnant women and children throughout the country. Free medical checks must be carried out throughout the period of schooling. There should be screening, preferably systematic, for all the diseases that constitute the principal causes of death. States Parties must operate widely accessible immunisation programmes and must demonstrate their ability to cope with infectious diseases, such as arrangements for reporting and notifying diseases, special treatment for AIDS patients and emergency measures in case of epidemics. State Parties must put in place effective anti-tobacco and anti-alcoholism measures as well as measures for drug addiction. Under Article 11 of the Charter, States Parties must take steps to prevent accidents such as road accidents, domestic accidents, accidents at school and accidents during leisure time. Accidents at work are examined under Article 3 of the Charter.

In addition, the right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment is a widely recognised principle, stemming directly from the right to personal integrity, one of the fundamental principles of human rights. Article 3 of the Charter applies to the whole economy, covering both the public and private sectors. The right to health care of elderly is guaranteed by Article 23 of the Charter, while Article 8 of the Charter guarantees the right of employed women to protection of their maternity.

The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) monitors the implementation of the Charter, not only in law, but also in practice. The ECSR examined the situation on health and safety at work (Article 3) in most of the States Parties to the Charter in its Conclusions 2025.

The ECSR underlined that states have yet to extend adequate health and safety protections to vulnerable categories of workers such as: digital platform workers; teleworkers; posted workers; workers employed through subcontracting; self-employed workers; workers exposed to environmental-related risks such as climate change and pollution.

In its landmark decision on the merits on Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights in a key case against Greece (Complaint No. 30/2005), the ECSR for the first time, established a link  between the  environmental protection and the right to health and safety at work, making it clear that environmental harm can violate social rights.

It also helped to reinforce the interconnectedness of human rights and environmental protection, paving the way for future legal actions with a rights-based environmental focus.

The ECSR by its decision of 5 December 2018 on the merits of the complaint European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) v. Bulgaria (No. 151/2017) held that there was a violation of Article E (non-discrimination) in conjunction with Article 11§1 (right to protection of health) of the Charter as regards the access to health insurance and health care for Roma women in respect of maternity.

As of Spring 2020, the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issue (ADI-ROM) has placed the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Roma and Traveller communities as a recurrent item for topical and urgent debate on the agenda of its meetings. In related debates, it has shared experiences and examples of good governmental practice to mitigate the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic and put together a compilation of best practices in member States.

In the difficult context of the COVID-19 pandemic, on 21 of April 2020, the ECSR adopted a Statement of interpretation on the right to protection of health in times of pandemic. The ECSR recalled that in times of pandemic, during which the life and health of many people are under serious threat, guaranteeing the right to protection of health is of crucial importance, and governments should take all necessary steps to ensure that it is effectively guaranteed. It called upon the States Parties to: (i) take all necessary emergency measures in a pandemic (measures to prevent and limit the spread of the virus such as testing and tracing, physical distancing and self-isolation, the provision of adequate masks and disinfectant, as well as the imposition of quarantine and ‘lockdown’ arrangements having regard to the current state of scientific knowledge and in accordance with relevant human rights standards); (ii) take all necessary measures to treat those who fall ill in a pandemic, including ensuring the availability of a sufficient number of hospital beds, intensive care units and equipment and ensuring that an adequate number of healthcare professionals are deployed and that their working conditions are healthy and safe (in line with Article 3 of the Charter); and (iii) take all necessary measures to educate people about the risks posed by the disease in question in line with Article 11§2 of the Charter (through public awareness programmes so as to inform people about how to mitigate the risks of contagion and how to access healthcare services as necessary).

The ECSR wished to recall that many of the above measures are required to comply not only with the obligation to protect the right to protection of health under Article 11, but also with other Charter obligations related to health, including obligations in respect of the right of workers to safe and healthy working conditions (Article 3), the right of persons in need of social and medical assistance (Article 13), the rights of the elderly to protection and health care (Article 23), the right of children and young persons to protection and health care (Article 7§§9-10 and Article 17§1).

During a pandemic, States Parties must take all possible measures as referred to above in the shortest possible time, with the maximum use of available financial, technical and human resources, and by all appropriate means both national and international in character, including international assistance and cooperation. Furthermore, States Parties must be particularly mindful of the impact that their choices will have for groups with heightened vulnerabilities as well as for other persons affected, including especially their families on whom falls the heaviest burden in the event of institutional shortcomings (International Association AutismEurope v. France, Complaint No. 13/2002, decision on the merits of 4 November 2003, §53).

The ECSR recalled that the right to protection of health includes the right of access to healthcare, and that access to healthcare must be ensured to everyone without discrimination. This implies that healthcare in a pandemic must be effective and affordable to everyone, and that groups at particularly high risk, such as homeless persons, persons living in poverty, older persons, persons with disabilities, persons living in institutions, persons detained in prisons, and persons with an irregular migration status must be adequately protected by the healthcare measures put in place.

The ECSR recalled that under Article 11§3 States Parties must operate widely accessible immunisation programmes. They must maintain high coverage rates not only to reduce the incidence of these diseases, but also to neutralise the reservoir of virus and thus achieve the goals set by the WHO to eradicate a range of infectious diseases. Vaccine research should be promoted, adequately funded and efficiently coordinated across public and private actors.

In its Conclusions 2021, the ECSR adopted a General Question on Article 11 and gender identity. The ECSR invited States Parties to provide information on the access of transgender persons to gender reassignment treatment (both in terms of availability and accessibility). It asked whether legal gender recognition for transgender persons requires (in law or in practice) that they undergo sterilisation or any other medical requirements which could impair their health or physical and psychological integrity. The ECSR also invited States Parties to provide information on measures taken to ensure that access to health care in general, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, is provided without discrimination on the basis of gender identity.

The ECSR by its decision of 19 October 2022 on the merits of the complaint European Disability Forum (EDF) and Inclusion Europe v. France (No. 168/2018) held that there was a violation of Article 11§1 (right to protection of health) of the Charter on the grounds that the authorities have failed to adopt effective measures within a reasonable timeframe to remedy long-standing problems related to access to healthcare services for persons with disabilities.

Health Protection was at the core of the Conference organized by the Council of Europe on 15 October 2025. The Conference acknowledged that despite progress, major and evolving challenges remain. They include persistent inequalities in access to health care, especially for the most vulnerable groups, ageing populations, digital transformation creating both opportunities and disparities, disrupted health care systems and the spread of mis and disinformation undermining public trust.

The Conference identified five directions for action.

• Strengthening the implementation of legal standards
• Ensuring equitable, affordable and inclusive health care with particular attention being given to children, youth, older persons and others in vulnerable situations
• Safeguarding patient rights, as well as quality and safety in healthcare. This include promoting responsible, transparent and fair use of AI.
• Promoting the rights of children and youth, which means in particular supporting their mental health and promoting their engagement; finally
• Integrating environmental and ethical dimensions, referring namely to ensuring ethical governance of innovations, promoting health literacy and combatting misinformation.

Health literacy will be at the core of the Council of Europe Conference to be held in November 2026.

The new Council of Europe Strategic Plan on human rights in biomedicine and health (2026-2030) very much reflects these objectives. It will address human rights challenges raised by evolution of practices and technological developments in these fields.  Divided into four main pillars with corresponding strategic objectives with a view to safeguarding and upholding human rights and dignity in biomedicine and health, adapting and strengthening and applying human rights in new contexts, anticipating future challenges and building strong  and inclusive engagement  with stakeholders and the civil society.

HELP course on Key human rights principles in Biomedicine developed jointly with the Division on Human Rights and Biomedicine of the Council of Europe. It has the following modules:

A new HELP course on Mental Health and Human Rights was developed which include modules on

• International legal framework
• The protection of persons with mental health issues under the ECHR
• Dignity, autonomy, equality and non-discrimination. Key principles for a rights-based approach to mental healthcare
• Mental healthcare: access to care and quality of care
• Involuntary placement, involuntary treatment and other coercive measures
• Legal capacity, guardianship and alternatives to guardianship

The Council of Europe is also running dedicated co-operation programmes and projects  aimed at improving health care (including mental health) in prisons and other closed institutions, with the aim to ensure that health care services provided to inhabitants of such institutions is of the same standard as that available to the community at large.

Trafficking in human organs violates human dignity and the right to life and represents a serious threat to public health. There is a real need to put in place measures to protect the most vulnerable individuals. The Council of Europe drew up a Convention, the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs, aimed at criminalizing the trafficking in human organs, protecting the rights of victims and facilitating co-operation at both national and international levels. In 2022, the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs held its first meeting. The Convention, in force since 1 March 2018, is open to member and non-member States alike.

In 2018, the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on the counterfeiting of medical products and similar crimes involving threats to public health (MEDICRIME Convention) held its first meeting. The Convention, in force since 1 January 2016, is open to member and non-member States alike. By criminalizing certain types of conduct, the MEDICRIME Convention helps countries stop the counterfeiting of medical products and other similar crimes in order to protect public health.

The Council of Europe Development Bank’s (CEB) in the framework of its unique social mandate, co-finances social investment projects in its member countries. 

Access to, affordability, and quality of healthcare are not evenly distributed across and within countries. Healthcare investment needs remain high and are expected to grow as the European population ages. The CEB maintains the particular focus on the health and social care sector and part-finances investments targeting, among others, construction and/or rehabilitation of public or private hospitals and infrastructure, medical and non-medical equipment, specialised centres dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations, nursing homes for the elderly and welfare centres, health-related research and development facilities.

The Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine caught European societies unprepared. Vulnerable groups have not only been most at risk of adverse health outcomes, but also from the broader fallout from the crisis, including income losses and poverty. The CEB is acting rapidly in favour of vulnerable persons displaced by the war in Ukraine and of host communities, with projects related to, among others, health and social care sector of activity.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains a transversal priority for the activities of the Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group). Through its work to protect individuals’ fundamental rights while addressing the challenges posed by drug use, illicit drug trafficking, and emerging forms of addictions, the Pompidou Group primarily contributes to the achievement of SDG 3. 

With regard to SDG 3, the Pompidou Group’s work is particularly relevant to two Targets:

• Target 3.4 “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being”

Addictions constitute a significant concern for mental health and well-being. The Pompidou Group’s work cover not only on substance use but also behavioural addictions, with a particular focus on online and other digital addictions, which has been one of the key priority areas since the 2023-2025 Work Programme. This work started with the development of the expert report “Risks and Harms Associated with Online Gaming and Gambling” and culminated with the adoption of the policy paper “Strategies and Regulatory Options Aimed at Reducing Risks and Harms Related to Online Gaming and Online Gambling,” which provides conceptual guidance for political decision-makers and policy developers seeking to design strategies, action plans, and regulatory frameworks to reduce the risks and harms associated with online gaming and gambling. These efforts have been complemented by the Pompidou Group’s co-operation activities in this field, including the EU-Council of Europe Joint Project “Promoting the mental health of children and youth by addressing the risks of online gambling and gaming.”

In the 2026-2029 Work Programme cycle, the Pompidou Group will further strengthen its contribution to Target 3.4 through work on standards and regulatory options aimed at reducing risks and harms related to digital addictions, in particular those affecting mental health. This includes the preparation of a new Committee of Ministers Recommendation on digital addictions.

• Target 3.5 “Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”

The Pompidou Group has contributed to the achievement of this target through its work on the prevention of substance use disorders, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. This includes the Group’s role in advocating for comprehensive, balanced, and evidence-based approaches to drug and addiction policies. Following the extension of the Pompidou Group’s mandate in 2021, the Group further expanded its work beyond illicit drugs to encompass other substance use addictions, including alcohol. The Pompidou Group has contributed to the development of a large number of tools, guidelines, and policy papers addressing drug use through a human rights–based policy response, among others, focusing on the specific needs and challenges experienced by different groups, including women, children, migrants, and persons deprived of their liberty, as well as the impact of digital technologies on drug supply.

This contribution also includes work related to the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies (DH-PDA), tasked with the preparation of a new Committee of Ministers Recommendation, which builds on the Pompidou Group policy document “Guidance for Aligning Drug and Addiction Policies with Human Rights.”

In support of the promotion of the SDGs, at the initiative of the Government of Mexico, the Pompidou Group organised an international conference on “International Co-operation in Aligning Drug Policies with the Sustainable Development Goals” in 2019. The conference produced key messages to support national efforts to align drug policies with SDGs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, the Pompidou Group launched the online platform “Save Lives – Protect People” to disseminate innovative and practical interventions aimed at preventing COVID-19 transmission and reducing harm among people who use drugs.

In 2022, the Pompidou Group organised a structured session on “Assessment of Drug Policies in the Light of the Sustainable Development Goals and Human Rights” at the Lisbon Addictions Conference, during which its self-assessment tool on compliance of drug policies with human rights standards was presented to a global audience.

The Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI) developed Guidelines on upholding equality and protecting against discrimination and hate during the COVID-19 and similar crises, which were adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 5 May 2021, which also took note of the Explanatory Memorandum to those Guidelines. The CDADI furthermore compiled promising and good practice examples in this field. This work is based on the Study COVID-19: An analysis of the anti-discrimination, diversity and inclusion dimensions in Council of Europe member states. All those documents cover the area of access to healthcare and other services for persons belonging to vulnerable groups.

The Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on equality of Roma and Traveller women and girls, including the issue of access to healthcare and reproductive rights, was adopted in 2024. A factsheet based on the health thematic guidelines in CM/Rec(2024)1 was published (Factsheet: Inequalities in health, sexual and reproductive rights faced by Roma and Traveller women). In 2022, the ADI-ROM adopted its Thematic Report on “Legislation and policies related to begging with a special focus on children”, which found that socio-economic measures addressing the root causes of begging and improving living conditions in Roma communities should be given priority over judicial responses, such as criminalising begging.

As part of the capacity building, the Joint Programme ROMACT supported paediatric and gynaecological consultations for families with young children, prophylactic medical examinations for individuals without insurance (blood tests, radiological screenings, and access to mobile health units providing medical check-ups and laboratory testing). The Programme delivered training sessions for health professionals and vulnerable population on reproductive health, family planning and vaccination hygiene and oral health awareness raising. Support also included mobile health examination and laboratory testing for 400 people in vulnerable situations. At central level, ROMACT engaged in awareness-raising about the problem of addictions and drug use among young people.

The European Committee of Social Rights has issued several decisions on collective complaints concerning violations of the ESC’s provision on the right to health, notably in European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) v. Bulgaria (Complaints No. 46/2007 and No. 151/2017), which addressed inadequate access to health care for many Roma/Travellers and the lack of guaranteed maternity care for Roma women. The Committee’s 2024 follow-up assessments found that the required access has still not been ensured. The Evaluation of the European Social Charter (DIO-EVA(2025)02, March 2025) highlights that civil society organisations should make use for advocacy at national, regional and local levels. The Roma and Travellers Division promotes these mechanisms in its dialogue with Roma and Travellers organisations.

The Working Group of the CDADI on Sexual Orientation and Sexual Identity (GT-ADI-SOGI) decided to focus on the issue of access to healthcare for its third thematic review of the Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. The third thematic review on this recommendation was adopted during 2024. The GT-ADI-SOGI also began work to draft a Committee of Ministers Recommendation on equality of rights for intersex persons.

The Third Thematic Report on Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health and Access to Healthcare for LGBTI People in Europe, was published in 2024. This report highlighted several areas in health that impact LGBTI people including the lack of disaggregated data covering SOGIESC,  insufficient training across the healthcare sector to improve knowledge on the healthcare needs of LGBTI people, the inadequate understanding of the needs of older LGBTI people, and the mental health inequalities face by LGBTI persons who face higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality.

On 7 October 2025, the Committee of Ministers adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on equal rights for intersex persons and took note of its explanatory memorandum. Both were prepared by CDADI and the ADI-SOGIESC. This recommendation marks a historic milestone for equality, dignity, and human rights of intersex persons across Europe, as it is the first comprehensive international legal instrument specifically dedicated to protecting and promoting the human rights of intersex persons. It provides authoritative guidance to governments in establishing laws and policies that prohibit non-consensual medical interventions, ensuring that any interventions on intersex children are postponed until they can decide for themselves, while guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare throughout life. It also calls on governments to prevent violence, discrimination and exclusion of intersex persons across all areas of life.

On 21 January 2026, the Committee of Ministers adopted the Council of Europe Strategy for Roma and Traveller inclusion (2026-2030), which addresses among others the significant health issues that Roma and Traveller face and was prepared by CDADI and the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM).

Also in 2025, CDADI adopted a Guidance document on strategies for inclusion in the fields under the responsibility of the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI), which was prepared by the Committee of Experts on Intercultural Inclusion (ADI-INT) and addresses health disparities and aims to promote public health.

Following up on the Country Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina, undertaken as part of the aforementioned Thematic Review, the SOGIESC Unit, in cooperation with partners, developed a guide for health professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Equal Access of LGBTI People to Healthcare. The guide provides useful information and advice for health professionals on how to provide inclusive and accessible healthcare services for LGBTI persons, and to prevent stigmatisation, misinformation, prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of SOGIESC. It encourages health professionals to undertake affirmative and sensitive approaches in their day-to-day practices addressing the needs of LGBTI persons, particularly trans and intersex persons and in the field of mental healthcare.

The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS)  contributes to promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being for all, at all ages, by supporting its member states in making sport fairer, safer and in conformity with high ethical standards. EPAS achieves those objectives by organising events and implementing projects to raise awareness on safe and healthy sport environments and to promote the well-being of those who do sport, with a particular focus on combating child abuse in sport in the framework of the Start to Talk project and through the Pool of International Experts in Sport, which recently produced the “Guidelines on safer recruitment in sport.”.. EPAS carries out this work in particular, in the context of the revised European Sports Charter which promotes values-based sport and sport for all amongst other key areas. As the UN recognises that sport contributes to well-being, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, EPAS has an important role to play by supporting its member states and by facilitating co-operation at local, national and international level, in particular through the implementation of the revised European Sports Charter. EPAS also has a two-year strategy adopted by its Governing Board, which guides the implementation of its work.

The Council of Europe also ensures the implementation of the Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events (CETS No. 218) and the Anti-Doping Convention (ETS No. 135), which safeguard the health and well-being of athletes, and in respect of the Saint-Denis Convention, also of spectators and all the other participants at sporting events throughout all the journey to and from the venue. Within the Saint-Denis Convention, the Guidelines on Strengthening Safety and Service at Sports Events, drafted late 2025 under the EU-CoE Joint Project “Balance S4”, also address public health guidance for the relevant authorities, from national to local levels, covering all stages from the pre-event planning to the post-event evaluations. These Guidelines address numerous public health-related issues like the risk assessment, the risk of infectious disease transmission, medical emergencies, the specific needs of vulnerable or underrepresented groups - such as children, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and persons with chronic illnesses –, and the impact of environmental and climate-related hazards on public health.

The Macolin Convention helps foster safer, healthier sporting environments by promoting action against illegal sports betting and raising awareness of the risks it entails — including addiction. Building on this integrity work, the Convention’s Secretariat and the Pompidou Group supported the launch of the Football Player Betting Addiction (FPBA) project, which examines footballers’ betting behaviours to prevent compulsive patterns and promote appropriate responses. Betting addiction can have direct health impacts (stress, sleep problems, anxiety/depression) and, by driving debt, can weaken players — making them more vulnerable to match-fixing and organised crime.

Furthermore, sport contributes to improving health and also has an important role in ensuring that health is protected. Combat sports, close contact team sports and motorsports are just a few examples of sports where injuries are frequent. Sport organisations need to adopt policies and take measures to protect the health of athletes. In addition, States parties to the Anti-Doping Convention are concerned by the growing use of doping by athletes and the consequences thereof for the health of participants and the future of sport. Standards and coordinated actions are developed with an aim to reduce those risks. EPAS organised its 4th Forum on Sport and Human Rights (December 2025) with a focus on well-being and health in sport and the Sport Division is currently implementing a joint EU-CoE project “Active and Equal” (2026-2027) looking into the health of women and girls through sport across the generations.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, through its Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, is actively supporting the work of EPAS in promoting democracy and human rights in sport. In 2024, it passed Resolution 2607 (2025) and Recommendation 2297 (2025) on Protecting human rights in and through sport: obligations and shared responsibilities and Resolution 2608 (2025) on The Olympic Movement and peacekeeping: is sport neutrality serving sport values?. Together, the two resolutions contribute to the UN goal on health and well-being by promoting safe, inclusive and rights-based sport, protecting athletes’ physical and mental health, strengthening integrity and good governance, and affirming sport’s role in social cohesion, peace and healthy, resilient communities.

The Council of Europe Landscape Convention (ETS No. 176) is the first international treaty to be exclusively concerned with all aspects of landscapes. It aligns with goal 3 by recognising that landscapes are a fundamental part of the natural and cultural heritage, directly contributing to human well-being. It highlights that a quality landscape — regardless of the area's condition or location — supports the quality of life for people everywhere, thereby fostering environments that are healthier and more harmonious for individuals and communities.

The Protocol amending the Council of Europe Landscape Convention (CETS No. 219) allows any State to become a Party to the Convention.

Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)7 the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the contribution of the European Landscape Convention to the exercise of human rights and democracy with a view to sustainable development is also directly linked supports Goal 3 by promoting healthy living environments, enhancing well-being, and protecting the quality of life through landscape policies. It encourages public participation in decision-making, raises awareness about the importance of healthy landscapes, and connects the right to landscape with access to a healthy environment. These measures all contribute to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The publication “Council of Europe Landscape Convention: Contribution to human rights, democracy and sustainable development” presents this Recommendation in more details.

Recommendation CM/Rec(2021)10 on town planning and landscape concerns the integration of landscape into urban planning and spatial development. By highlighting how well-managed landscapes contribute to the physical and mental well-being of urban and peri-urban populations by improving living environments, it contributes to Goal 3.

Recommendation CM/Rec (2025)1 on landscape and health provides guidance to Council of Europe member States on integrating landscape considerations into public health policies and practices, acknowledging the significant impact of landscapes on physical, mental, and social well-being. It highlights that green spaces, biodiversity, and access to nature contribute significantly to both physical and mental health. The recommendation advises policymakers to preserve, enhance, and create accessible natural environments, considering landscape as a crucial component for disease prevention, stress reduction, and overall quality of life. Further, it suggests that public health strategies should work in collaboration with environmental and landscape planning to maximise health benefits for all communities. The recommendation directly promotes environments that support both physical and mental health, aligning with Goal 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

The Florence Declaration, adopted on 28 October 2025 on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Council of Europe Landscape Convention, requires strict regulatory standards to protect air, water, and soil quality from hazardous chemical exposure; mandating the establishment of effective waste management systems for safe disposal of hazardous materials to prevent environmental contamination and promote healthy communities; and supporting regular public health monitoring, vaccination campaigns, and health education outreach to reduce preventable diseases and enhance well-being across all age groups.

Recommendation CM//Rec(2016)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on young people’s access to rights recommends that youth policies facilitate young people’s access to rights with a special emphasis on, inter alia, social and health-care services that cater for the specific needs of young people. Even though health is not primarily a youth policy issue, advice on youth policy development and other support measures will be given to member States. The recommendation is available in English, French, Czech, Dutch, Estonian, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Turkish and Ukrainian.

The Youth Partnership commissioned two research projects on young people’s right to assemble peacefully and on young people’s access to rights and non-discrimination to support the in preparation for the future review of CM/Rec(2016)7.

The youth sector works on the promotion of youth rights – in particular freedom of association and assembly – by means of a consultative meeting on the shrinking space for youth civil society.  One important consequence of this meeting was the adoption, in 2022, of Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on protecting youth civil society and young people, and supporting their participation in democratic processes.

The Youth Partnership explored the impact of Covid-19 on young people’s mental health and psychological well-being. A literature review was published and the topic was addressed in issue 32 of Coyote youth work magazine.

In connection with this specific SGD, among the 130 grants awarded to youth organisations by the European Youth Foundation in 2025, three projects stand out for their focused contribution to  well-being of young people. First,  the international meeting “Signs of Resilience: Mental health of deaf young people” organised by the European Union of the Deaf Youth, aimed to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by deaf youth in Europe, particularly in the context of the increasing prevalence of online bullying and social isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Secondly, the annual work plans of the Youth and Environment Europe NGO, entitled “Understanding the triple planetary crisis through the lens of the Right to a Healthy Environment” approached youth wellbeing from a  climate change perspective.

Finally, the International Federation of Liberal Youth’s project “Serenity now, policy later: For mentally affordable politics” placed mental health issues at the centre of political engagement, with a particular focus on the wellbeing of young people and young politicians

Mental health of young people is a recurring concern for many youth organisation, especially when it intersects with other factors, such as discrimination and environmental degradation. Two study sessions on these issues have been held at the European Youth Centre, including with the International Youth Health Organisation.

A seminar organised by the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card on Mental health in digital environments - the role of the European Youth Card explored services which are needed to identify, guide and support young people facing mental health challenges. Furthermore, the ERYICA/CoE Partnership organised a seminar on Mental Health Literacy in Youth Information Work on 10 September 2024 in Brussels.

Representatives of the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card contributed to the “Breakfast Roundtable on women’s health and sport” organised on the occasion of International Women’s Day (7 March 2025, Strasbourg).

The coordination group for implementation of the CM Rec. on Roma youth participation met on 15-16 January 2025.

The Youth Sector has started its second year of work (2025-2026) on the Accessibility Agenda of the Youth Department through a dedicated working group consisting of representatives of its statutory bodies.

The Youth Sector proceeded with a follow-up of the review process of CM/Rec(2019)4 on supporting young refugees in transition to adulthood in 2025.

The findings of the first review demonstrate a landscape of broad engagement and strong normative alignment with the principles of CM/Rec(2019)4, but also highlight structural challenges that constrain effective and equitable implementation. The findings indicate that Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)4 is widely recognised as a highly relevant and timely instrument. However, its full potential has yet to be realised.

The review highlights the indispensable role of youth work in supporting young refugees, underscoring the need for sustained investment, structured training, and formal recognition of youth workers as key actors in the Recommendation’s implementation.

The Youth for Democracy programme for 2026 foresees a seminar on supporting young refugees in transition to adulthood.

The seminar could be shaped based on the key conclusions of the review report and focus on the most pressing issues identified in the report, creating a space for the key stakeholders - including members of the CCJ and CDEJ - to further support the implementation of the Recommendation.

The Parliamentary Assembly addresses questions of public health as a human rights issue, in particular through its Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development. In this context, it adopted a number of key texts, including Resolution 2168 (2017) and Recommendation 2104 (2017) on Human rights of older persons and their comprehensive care, Recommendation 2115 (2017) on The use of new genetic technologies in human beings, Resolution 2219 (2018) on Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Europe, Resolution 2249 (2018) on The provision of palliative care in Europe, Resolution 2286 (2019) on Air pollution – a challenge for public health in Europe , Resolution 2291 (2019) on Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach.

Recommendation 2156 (2019) on Anonymous donation of sperm and oocytes: balancing the rights of parents, donors and children, and Resolution 2284 (2019) on Addressing the health needs of adolescents in Europe. In 2020, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2327 (2020) on Organ transplant tourism, Recommendation 2173 (2020) on Combating trafficking in human tissues and cells, Recommendation 2185 (2020) on Artificial Intelligence in health care: medical, legal and ethical challenges ahead, Resolution 2353 (2020) on Supporting people with autism and their families, as well as Resolution 2329 (2020) and Recommendation 2174 (2020) on Lessons for the future from an effective and rights-based response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2361 (2021) on Covid-19 vaccines: ethical, legal and practical considerations; Resolution 2366 (2021), Recommendation 2196 (2021) on the Impact of labour migration on “left-behind” children, in addition to Resolution 2373 (2021) on Discrimination against persons dealing with chronic and long-term illnesses. Resolution 2396 (2021) and Recommendation 2211 (2021) on “Anchoring the right to a healthy environment: need for enhanced action by the Council of Europe” highlighted the direct link between the state of the environment and human health.

In 2022, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2455 (2022) and Recommendation 2243 (2022) on Fighting vaccine-preventable diseases through quality services and anti-vaccine myth-busting, Resolution 2241 (2022) and Recommendation 2233 (2022) on Addiction to prescribed medicines and Resolution 2474 (2022) and Recommendation 2243 (2022) on Securing safe medical supply chains.

In 2023, Resolution 2504 (2023) and Recommendation 2255 (2023) on Health and social protection of undocumented workers or those in an irregular situation, Resolution 2521 (2023) and Recommendation 2263 (2023) on Mental health and well-being of children and young adults, Resolution 2520 (2023) and Recommendation 2262 (2023) on Preventing addictive behaviours in children and Recommendation 2264 (2023) on Heritable genome editing in human beings were adopted.

Goal 3 includes the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with Target 3.8 covering protection against financial risks, access to quality essential health services, and access to safe, effective, high-quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines. In its recent Resolution 2500 (2023) “Public health emergency: the need for a holistic approach to multilateralism and health care”, the Parliamentary Assembly has called on member States to invest in primary health care and provide UHC to all persons present on their territory, regardless of their legal status, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, including mental disability, state of health, socio-economic background or other relevant status. In addition, further to Resolution 2627 (2025) on "Promoting universal health coverage", the Council of Europe joined the UHC2030 multilateral platform in order to promote alignment between international commitments and European standards.

Resolution 2591 (2025) on  “Long Covid” and access to the right to health” was adopted by the Assembly on 31 January 2025.

In 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted Resolution 2335 and Recommendation 2177 on “Drug policy and human rights: a baseline study”. It also adopted Resolution 2344 and Recommendation 2184 on “The brain-computer interface: new rights or new threats to fundamental freedoms?”

The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights also works to improve member States’ implementation of common detention standards. In this context, the Assembly adopted texts on “Protecting human rights during transfer of prisoners”: Resolution 2266 (2019) and Recommendation 2147 (2019),  on “Improving follow-up to CPT recommendations: enhanced role of the Parliamentary Assembly and of national parliaments”,  Resolution 2264 (2019) and Recommendation 2146 (2019), and on “Allegations of systemic torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in places of detention in Europe, Resolution 2528 (2024).

With respect to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2337 (2020) on Democracies facing the Covid-19 pandemic and Resolution 2470 (2022) on Protecting the pillars of democracy during health crises based on reports prepared by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy (SDGs 3, 16.6 and 16.7). Furthermore, the Assembly adopted resolutions on the basis of reports by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights on “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on human rights and the rule of law”, (Resolution 2338 (2020)) and on “Covid passes or certificates: protection of fundamental rights and legal implications” (Resolution 2383 (2021)) on  ”Preventing vaccine discrimination” (Resolution 2468 (2022) and Recommendation 2240 (2022),  on The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on prison population in Europe” (Resolution  2472 (2022) and Recommendation 2242 (2022)) and on “The impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on civil society space and activities” (Resolution 2471 (2022) and Recommendation 2241 (2022)).

The Assembly also adopted Resolution 2339 (2020) on “Upholding human rights in times of crisis and pandemics: gender, equality and non-discrimination”, following a report by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination.

Between 2015 and 2019, the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Person run a Parliamentary Campaign to End Migration Detention of Children. In this context, it also elected a General Rapporteur on Conditions of Reception of Migrants and Refugees, responsible for examining and denouncing degrading conditions and promoting the humanitarian reception and well-being of migrants in Europe. The parliamentary campaign also organised national seminars, and produced recommendations and guidelines on alternatives to migration detention of children.

In 2023, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2490 Innovative approaches to sexual and reproductive health and rights” on the basis of a report by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination.  In 2025, the Assembly adopted Resolution 2631  “Preventing and combating gender discrimination in health”.

The Council of Europe is also running dedicated co-operation programmes and projects  aimed at improving health care (including mental health) in prisons and other closed institutions, with the aim to ensure that health care services provided to inhabitants of such institutions is of the same standard as that available to the community at large.

As an assembly representing 150,000 local and regional authorities and building on its expertise and proximity to citizens, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is responsible for the territorial dimension of the SDGs within the Council of Europe. The Congress, which is the sole body responsible for monitoring the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, regularly assesses the quality of local and regional democracy in the Organisation's 46 member states. It also contributes, through a wide range of activities in the field, to the construction of inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.

The Congress' approach is based on three key principles: achieving SDGs is the shared responsibility of all levels of government; local and regional authorities must have the necessary competences and financial autonomy to achieve the goals in their respective areas; citizens must always remain at the heart of the action. The co-operation programmes and projects of the Congress also contribute to the fulfilment of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as do its thematic activities.

Through its engagement at all levels of government, the Congress aims to reduce inequalities in access to health services and inequalities related to citizens’ place of residence. These rights, conditioned by economic and social rights must be provided by the competent authorities.

The Congress adopted the following texts in relation to SDG 3:

• REC 528 (2025) – The role of local and regional authorities in protecting and promoting social rights and fostering social development
• REC 517 (2024) and RES 504 (2024) – Ageing communities – ensuring access to quality social care for older persons
• REC 512 (2024) and RES 503 (2024) - Fostering a circular economy at local and regional levels

• RES 500(2024) and REC 510(2024) - Local and regional responses to natural disasters and climate hazards: from risk preparedness to resilience

With regard to the right to health as an indispensable and fundamental human right, without which there is no life in dignity, the Commissioner for Human Rights has stressed the need for effective and inclusive health care systems that are accessible, available, acceptable, and of good quality for everyone; and that pay due attention to the essential social determinants of health: education, employment, social protection and adequate living conditions. The Commissioner has paid particular attention to shortcomings with respect to adequate mental health services and the recourse to coercion and institutionalisation as sources of continuous human rights violations across Europe.

See the Commissioner’s thematic webpage on social rights for further details and resources, including reports, recommendations and statements, from the current and previous Commissioners, including the 2021 Issue Paper on Protecting the right to health through inclusive and resilient health care for all.

The 4^th Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Reykjavík on 16-17 May 2023, adopted the Reykjavík Declaration including the Appendix V on "The Council of Europe and the environment", and underlined “the urgency of additional efforts to protect the environment, as well as to counter the impact of the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity on human rights, democracy and the rule of law”, while committing the Council of Europe to strengthening its work “on the human rights aspects of the environment and initiate the Reykjavík process of focusing and strengthening the work of the Council of Europe in this field”.

The Reykjavík process gathered steam in 2023 throughout the organisation, culminating in the creation of a Department on the Reykjavík process and the Environment in the Directorate General on Human Rights and Rule of Law on 1 January 2024, as well as an Inter-Secretariat Task Force on the Environment.

On 14 May 2025 in Luxembourg, the Committee of Ministers adopted the Council of Europe Strategy for the Environment (2025–2030). The Strategy reflects the Council of Europe’s commitment to a forward-looking, holistic approach that aligns human rights, democracy, and the rule of law with environmental protection. Recognising that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential to the full enjoyment of human rights by present and future generations, it pursues five key objectives:

1. Integrating human rights considerations into environment-related strategies, instruments, legislation, policies, and actions, and vice versa.
2. Strengthening democratic governance in environmental matters.
3. Supporting and protecting environmental human rights defenders, environmental defenders, and whistleblowers.
4. Preventing and prosecuting environment-related crimes.
5. Protecting wildlife, ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes.

The Strategy promotes the mainstreaming of sustainable development and environmental objectives across the Council of Europe’s work and operations. It also promotes a One Health approach, aiming to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

Its Action Plan sets out ongoing and planned activities to ensure effective implementation and, in line with the Council of Europe’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, identifies the most relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for each strategic objective.

This page reflects recent and ongoing developments in the activities of the Council of Europe towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The Council’s historical activities in this area have been archived.