The Council of Europe provides targeted support to beneficiary countries in their efforts to comply with and implement the relevant Council of Europe standards. This activity is part of the Organisation’s unique strategic triangle, which establishes mutual links between the legally binding standards, independent monitoring mechanisms and co-operation and support activities. 

The Directorate of Human Dignity and Equality, provides expertise to the beneficiary countries in the areas that it covers. These include children’s rights and action to combat sexual exploitation and abuse of children, gender equality, the promotion of the rights of persons with disability, action against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as action to combat violence against women and trafficking in human beings and antidiscrimination. Co-operation in these areas is firmly grounded on the Council of Europe standards and commitments made by the member states.

Co-operation projects and activities with beneficiary countries include legislative drafting support, institution and capacity building, peer-to-peer exchanges, sharing of good practices and training.