Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

Description

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial institution of the Council of Europe. It was established in 1999 to promote awareness of and respect for human rights across the Council’s 46 member states. The Commissioner is elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for a six-year term, and acts independently and impartially.

The Commissioner carries out visits to every member state, meeting government, parliamentary, judicial and civil society representatives as well as ordinary people with human rights concerns. Visits often include places such as prisons, psychiatric hospitals, asylum centres and settlements of vulnerable groups. Afterward the Commissioner issues a report, opinion or letter assessing the situation and recommending changes in law and practice. The Commissioner can also intervene as a third party in cases before the European Court of Human Rights.

Beyond country visits, the Commissioner carries out thematic work on issues such as migration, Roma rights, the war in Ukraine and digital technologies. This includes studies, advice and recommendations aimed at preventing human rights violations across the Council’s member states. The Commissioner also raises public awareness through seminars, publications and dialogue with governments and civil society, and cooperates with the European Union, the United Nations and human rights organisations.