As a transnational crime, trafficking in human organs affects all countries. The Council of Europe has long been concerned about the absence of harmonised international legislation, non-deterrent sanctions which are not proportionate to the harm caused to victims, and the involvement of criminal organisations which operate across national borders.
Thanks to its pan-European membership and cooperation with States and regions well beyond Europe, the Council of Europe was able to establish a criminal law treaty with a truly global impact. To build upon this, the Council of Europe is committed to organise conferences in an effort to raise awareness of the Convention, to discuss benefits and challenges in the ratification and accommodation process, as well as to exchange information, impart experiences and to reinforce international cooperation.
