The Council of Europe, the oldest European organisation, was founded in 1949 with the aim of unifying the continent as a whole. The decision to establish its headquarters in Strasbourg was, moreover, symbolic of the desire for reconciliation between peoples. From the outset the Council of Europe adopted an institutional structure comprising a committee of ministers and a parliamentary assembly - the first in Europe. This book retraces the history of the Organisation. Consisting initially of Western European states, the Council of Europe was destined to embrace all the continent's countries, but the Cold War delayed its enlargement. It is only since 1989 that the Council of Europe has become a truly pan-European organisation, now comprising 47 member states. Its mission is based on three major goals: protecting human rights, promoting democratic values and guaranteeing the rule of law. The Council of Europe is also very active in fostering co-operation in all areas of life: education, sport, culture, etc. Starting in 1959, the European Court of Human Rights grew to become the Organisation's flagship institution: its judgments are binding on the member states. As an intergovernmental organisation, the Council of Europe has had to contend with the growth of the European Union and has sought constantly to redefine its role in international relations. In these early years of the 21st century, will it succeed in securing a key position in the European institutional architecture?
The Council of Europe is the oldest of European institutions. Under the banner of human rights and democracy, it brings together 47 member states, ranging from Finland to Turkey and from Switzerland to Russia. Its Parliamentary Assembly represents over 800 million Europeans and its conventions For The protection of social and fundamental rights are among the most successful in the world. However, this organisation receives little recognition and is still frequently confused with the European Union. Building upon the momentum created during the celebrations of the Council of Europe's 60th anniversary, this publication offers an opportunity to rediscover its history, activities and achievements
The Council of Europe, after 40 years of activities with Roma, is intensifying its commitment to monitoring and improving their situation and to involving their representatives in the creation of the policies which concern them.This publication, a reference work and an analysis intended to further knowledge and inspire reflection on the issues, presents a summary of the relevant adopted texts and activities by placing them in a historical perspective. The facts, all too often isolated, must be given greater visibility to increase their legibility - beyond a simple summary - and foster a long-term vision.Devised to be useful to both political decision makers and to administrative representatives - at European, national and local levels - and to activists in non-governmental organisations, this work will interest everyone concerned by the situation of Roma in Europe.
This report describes all the work carried out in 2004 by the Council of Europe's bodies and in its various areas of activity.Following Monaco's accession on 5 October, the Council of Europe has forty-six member states. It has virtually completed its enlargement - only Belarus is still not a member, due to its lack of respect for human rights and democratic principles.From the Rose Revolution in Georgia to the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, from the ethnic violence in Kosovo in March to the various conflicts that were more or less deadlocked on the borders of several member states, a number of major developments prompted the Council of Europe to intervene and take action in 2004. A few months after the terrorist attack in Madrid, the Beslan tragedy strengthened the Organisation's determination to combat terrorism, a responsibility that is now assigned to a specialist Committee, the Codexter.
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