Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Strasbourg, France, that brings together 46 European member states to promote shared democratic values. Its core mission centers on safeguarding human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering democratic governance across the continent. The Council is distinguished by its foundational European Convention on Human Rights, which serves as a binding legal framework for member countries. Through research, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives, it works to embed these principles into national legal systems and public institutions. As the largest human-rights organization in Europe, the Council plays a pivotal role in shaping continental standards for civil liberties and democratic accountability.