International Human Rights

23.3.2011

Human Rights Protection in Europe

• OSCE

• European Union

• Council of Europe

OSCE – Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

• Established through the Helsinky Final Act (1975)

• 56 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America

• The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and  human aspects

OSCE “Third Basket” Action

• Conflict prevention and resolution (Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Nagorno-Karabach,….) (Special Envoys)

• Electoral Processes (ODIHR)

• Minority Protection (High Commissioner on National Minorities)

• Human Traffiking (Special Representative)

• Media

European Union

• Regulated by TEU and TFEU

• 27 Members

• Committment to respect Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

• Observer in the Council of Europe

• Accession to the ECHR is being negotiated

Council of Europe

• Established in 1949• 47 Member States• Aims at acheiving “a greater unity between its

members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress” (Article 1 Statute)

• Promoted 209 treaties (among which the ECHR 1950)

Organs

• Committee of Ministers

• Parliamentary Assembly (former Consultative Assembly)

• Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

• Human Rights Commissioner

• INGO Conference

• Secretariat