Council of Europe


The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and has its headquarters in Strasbourg, France. It is the leading human rights organisation in the European continent.

It includes 46 member states, 27 of which are members of the European Union. All Council of Europe member states have signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the Council of Europe member states.



Human Rights, Democracy, Rule of Law


The Council of Europe advocates freedom of expression and of the media, freedom of assembly, equality, and the protection of minorities.

It has launched campaigns on issues such as child protection, online hate speech, and the rights of the Roma, Europe's largest minority.

The Council of Europe helps member states fight corruption and terrorism and to undertake the necessary judicial reforms. Its team of constitutional experts, known as the Venice Commission, offers legal advice to countries throughout the world.

The Council of Europe promotes human rights through international conventions, such as the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and the Convention on Cybercrime. It monitors member states’ progress in these areas and makes recommendations through independent expert monitoring bodies. Council of Europe member states no longer apply the death penalty.


Back To Top