The trafficking in human organs is a problem of global proportions that violates basic fundamental freedoms, human rights and dignity and constitutes a direct threat to public health, integrity, freedom and often the life of individuals.

The Council of Europe’s Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs is an important step to stamping out this abuse worldwide. It is monitored by its Committee of the Parties (named the Santiago de Compostela Committee), representing the Parties to this convention, which oversees its effective use and implementation. It adopts recommendations addressed to the countries Parties to the Convention.

The Council of Europe also assists states in implementing the convention, through targeted co-operation activities. Civil society is an important source of information for the Santiago de Compostela Committee. And this is the reason why the convention provides that representatives of civil society, and in particular non-governmental organisations, may be admitted as observers to the Committee of the Parties. Co-operation with civil society is also sought within the framework of capacity building activities. Civil society can participate as observers within the Santiago de Compostela Committee.