On 15 March 2023, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a Recommendation on Rights, Services and Support for Victims of Crime and took note of its Explanatory Memorandum.

Prepared by the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC), the Recommendation updates and replaces Recommendation Rec(2006)8 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on assistance to crime victims, which, at that time, proved a useful tool in furthering the issue of victims’ rights across Council of Europe member States. However, significant developments have occurred in the field of victims’ rights, victimological research and national and international legislation and practice, resulting in a better understanding of victims’ needs.

The Recommendation, therefore, provides more detailed guidance on the development and implementation of victims’ rights and calls upon member States to actively seek out and remove any barriers in the access to justice for victims of crime. It introduces the principle that victims of crimes should have the right to be heard concerning any decision having a considerable impact on their interests and a right to remedy that aims to support their rights in cases where they are not respected.

The Recommendation calls for victims of crime to be supported in accessing  their rights and services, and to be recognised and treated with respect, professionalism and non-discrimination. States should take into account that victims of crime may also have a range of needs that require individual recognition to receive the appropriate information, support and protection.

The Recommendation draws upon existing Council of Europe Standards including the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention, CETS No.210) and the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No.201) and other international standard-setting instruments in this field.

Press release: Victims of crime: Committee of Ministers recommendation aims to ensure their access to justice - Portal (coe.int).