The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation, bringing together governments to build a future based on human rights, democracy and justice. Civil society is an important element of that mission, and whilst it always played its part, its involvement has grown over the years. With the Secretary General’s Roadmap on Civil society engagement with the Council of Europe 2024-2027 (SG/Inf(2023)28) which was presented on 15 December 2023, that role was strengthened. 

Our aim with the dedicated civil society portal and the practical guide published thereon is to give you the information you need to work alongside the Council of Europe. As a large organisation that has grown over many years, it can look complex at first glance. But there are many ways that civil society and NGOs - especially international NGOS (INGOs) - can get involved, from actual partnership, to providing information to different bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights or the Commissioner for Human Rights, to aiding the work of monitoring bodies as they carry out their work in different countries. It also gives guidance on available resources and describes ways that human rights defenders can seek help if they are under threat.

As you navigate through the site you will find all the information you need on  the Council of Europe’s co-operation with civil society in its core areas of human rights protection, building democratic societies and ensuring respect for the rule of law. Join us to build a better Europe.

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