The Council of Europe
The importance of the Recommendation
The Council of Europe Recommendation, adopted in March 2021 by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, is the European gold standard for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). Affirming NHRIs as pillars for promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, it offers the blueprint for ensuring they can do so.
It does this by outlining what NHRIs need to thrive as effective, pluralist and independent institutions. The Recommendation also complements the global standards of the UN Paris Principles.
Explore the reports
ENNHRI’s baseline study examines the Recommendation’s implementation in all 46 Council of Europe Member States. Alongside cross-regional findings, there are country-specific analyses with good practices and recommendations for each Member State.
Alongside cross-regional findings, there are country-specific analyses with good practices and recommendations for each Member State.
Key findings
What is going well?
There is an ever-growing family of NHRIs across the Council of Europe’s 46 Member States.
Authorities have overall good awareness of NHRIs, and provide them with adequate access.
Strong mandates to contribute to justice systems.
What can we improve?
Implementing transparent, merit-based and pluralistic selection and appointment processes for NHRI leadership.
Ensuring adequate resources and allocating additional resources through independent budget lines.
Ensuring effective, timely and reasoned follow-up of NHRI recommendations.
NHRI engagement at the Council of Europe
Set up a comprehensive Council of Europe cooperation programme for NHRIs
Guarantee continuous and dedicated support for NHRIs at the Council of Europe Secretariat.
Findings per CM Principle
For its implementation, the Recommendation is broken down into 17 Principles across four different areas. Set out by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers (CM), these are addressed to Member States.
Findings per CM Principle
For its implementation, the Recommendation is broken down into 17 Principles across four different areas. Set out by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers (CM), these are addressed to Member States.
4.
Cooperation with and support
for NHRIs
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
