Council of Europe

The Council of Europe works to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in its 46 member states. Intergovernmental treaties that are binding under international law, such as the European Convention on Human Rights, are concluded under its auspices with the aim of preserving Europe's heritage and promoting economic and social progress. Switzerland became the 17th member of the Council of Europe on 6 May 1963.

 Meeting of the Council of Europe's World Forum for Democracy in 2022
Meeting of the Council of Europe's World Forum for Democracy in 2022. © Council of Europe

The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, was founded in 1949 and is Europe's oldest intergovernmental organisation with the largest number of member states. Its core mission is to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in its member states and throughout the world by means of conventions that third countries can join. It currently has 46 member states.

To date, Switzerland has ratified over half of the more than 200 Council of Europe conventions. The conventions serve as a basis for legislative amendments and harmonisation in its member states.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is one of the Council of Europe's most important conventions and flagship achievements. Signed by all the member states, the ECHR gives every Swiss citizen – and all citizens of the states parties – the right to bring a case before the European Court of Human Rights in the event of a violation of the rights or guarantees set out in the convention, provided that all domestic remedies have been exhausted.

Council of Europe bodies

The Council of Europe comprises the following bodies:

  • The Committee of Ministers comprising the ministers of foreign affairs of the 46 member states
  • The Parliamentary Assembly, whose members are appointed by the national parliaments
  • The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, which is composed of representatives of the local and regional authorities of the member states
  • The Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations, which consists of delegates from organisations that satisfy the accreditation criteria of the Council of Europe.

Swiss representation in Council of Europe bodies

Men and women are walking into the hall of the Parliamentary Assembly.
President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis attends and speaks before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 10 October 2022. © Conseil de l' Europe

Switzerland's current foreign minister, FDFA head Ignazio Cassis, represents Switzerland in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Switzerland is represented in the Parliamentary Assembly by six members of Parliament and their deputies. In the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Switzerland is represented by six representatives of communes and cities and six cantonal councillors. Like every member state, Switzerland also appoints a judge to serve on the European Court of Human Rights.

The Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the Council of Europe maintains contacts, monitors activities in Strasbourg and provides regular briefings on current developments. Switzerland's permanent representative to the Council of Europe is also tasked with representing the head of the FDFA at ministerial delegate level. 

Last update 02.06.2023

Contact

Eurasia Division

Council of Europe and OSCE Section

Federal Palace West
3003 Bern

Phone

+41 58 464 69 48

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