Council of Europe

Definition

The Council of Europe is an international organization founded in 1949, dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe. It plays a crucial role in establishing common standards for human rights, particularly through its most significant instrument, the European Convention on Human Rights, which led to the creation of the European Court of Human Rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Council of Europe has 46 member states, making it one of the continent's largest organizations focused on human rights and democracy.
2. The headquarters of the Council of Europe is located in Strasbourg, France, which is also home to many key European institutions.
3. The organization works not only to protect human rights but also to promote cultural cooperation and social development among its member states.
4. The Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly are two main decision-making bodies within the Council of Europe that facilitate dialogue and policy-making among member states.
5. Member states can be brought before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to uphold the standards set out in the European Convention on Human Rights, leading to rulings that can have significant implications for national laws.

Review Questions

• How does the Council of Europe influence human rights standards among its member states?
  • The Council of Europe influences human rights standards by establishing common norms through treaties like the European Convention on Human Rights. This convention lays out specific rights and freedoms that member states are expected to uphold. By monitoring compliance and facilitating legal processes through the European Court of Human Rights, the Council encourages adherence to these standards while providing a platform for individuals to seek justice against violations.
• In what ways does the structure and function of the Council of Europe support democratic governance within its member countries?
  • The structure of the Council of Europe includes decision-making bodies like the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, which bring together representatives from member states to discuss and address issues related to democracy and human rights. The organization supports democratic governance by promoting shared values and providing guidance on best practices. Through its various initiatives, such as election observation missions and training programs, the Council helps strengthen democratic institutions and processes across Europe.
• Evaluate the impact of the European Court of Human Rights on national legal systems and its role in enforcing human rights standards established by the Council of Europe.
  • The European Court of Human Rights significantly impacts national legal systems by interpreting and enforcing the rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. When individuals bring cases against member states for alleged violations, the court's rulings often compel governments to amend their laws and practices to comply with international standards. This judicial oversight fosters a culture of accountability and reinforces human rights protections within countries, thus enhancing the rule of law across Europe while encouraging legal reforms based on court decisions.

Related terms

European Convention on Human Rights:

A treaty established by the Council of Europe in 1950 that aims to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe.

European Court of Human Rights:

A court established by the European Convention on Human Rights, tasked with ensuring that member states adhere to the human rights standards set out in the convention.

Intergovernmental Organization: An organization composed primarily of sovereign states that work together on common objectives and policies, like the Council of Europe.