The Council of Europe was established on May 5, 1949, in the aftermath of World War II. It was founded through the Treaty of London with the primary goal of promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in post-war Europe.
Membership:
- The Council of Europe consists of 47 member states as of Nov 2023.
- Membership is open to European countries that share the organization's principles and are willing to adhere to its standards.
Headquarters:
Main Functions:
- Promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- Development and monitoring of democratic principles.
- Providing a platform for legal cooperation and standard-setting.
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR):
- The Council of Europe is well-known for the European Convention on Human Rights, which was adopted in 1950.
- The ECHR serves as a legal instrument for the protection of human rights across member states.
Institutions:
- The Council of Europe has various institutions, including the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly, and the Secretary-General.
Legal Instruments:
- The organization develops legal instruments and conventions that member states are encouraged to ratify and implement.
Non-EU Organization:
- The Council of Europe should not be confused with the European Union (EU). While they share common goals, they are separate entities.
Language Policy:
- The official languages of the Council of Europe are English and French.
Contributions to European Unity:
- The Council of Europe has been instrumental in fostering a sense of European unity and cooperation, contributing to the broader European integration process.
These key facts provide a general overview of the Council of Europe, its functions, history, and significance in the promotion of democracy and human rights on the European continent.
