Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is a human rights organisation, based in Strasbourg (France), whose stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Founded in 1949, it has 47 Member-States, including the 27 EU Member-States. Unlike the EU, the Council of Europe cannot make binding laws, however it has the power to enforce international agreements reached by European states on various topics.
Since 2001, FAFCE has been granted a participatory status to the Council of Europe, and supports the rights of the family in the different institutions of the Council of Europe:
- European Court of Human Rights: composed of judges from each Member-State, it ensures the respect of the obligations of Member-States under the European Convention on Human Rights (1950). The Court rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the Convention.
- Committee of Ministers: composed of the Foreign Affairs Ministers, usually represented by Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors, it is the decision-making body of the Council of Europe.
- Parliamentary Assembly: composed of parliamentarians from all Member-States, it adopts resolution and recommendations to governments.
- Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe: composed of political representatives from local and regional authorities, it issues opinions on fundamental rights affecting regions and cities.
- Conference of INGOs: composed of NGOs with a participate status, it produces opinions based on the ground expertise of NGOs.
FAFCE welcomes conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas approved by the European Council
Brussels, the 23rd of November 2023 FAFCE welcomes the conclusions adopted this week by the Council of the European Union on a long-term vision for the EU's rural areas. These conclusions recognise the key contributions of rural areas to
The Council approves conclusions on interconnection between mental health and employment, with a focus on precarious work
Brussels, 10th of October 2023 FAFCE welcomes yesterday’s Council publication of the first-ever conclusions on the interconnection between mental health and employment, with a focus on precarious work. On 9th October 2023, the Council, under the Spanish Presidency, has
PRESS RELEASE I The European Parliament favours eugenics
PRESS RELEASE The European Parliament favours eugenics Brussels, 13th of September 2023 “Does the European Parliament want to promote eugenics?” This is the question that FAFCE’s President, Vincenzo Bassi, asks himself after the approval, this morning in Strasbourg, of the Report on the
PRESS RELEASE | European Council on Demographic Challenges and Competitiveness
PRESS RELEASE European Council on Demographic Challenges and Competitiveness Brussels, 1st of July 2023 "It is an important act of awareness, which will allow the European Commission to implement proposals to tackle the demographic imbalance. It is extremely appropriate
FAFCE participation to a Council of Europe Webinar on the Best Interests of the Child in parental separation and care proceedings
Brussels, 28 June 2022 Last Tuesday, FAFCE participated to a Webinar by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe on "Determining and Evaluating the Best Interests and Rights of Children in Parental Separation and Care Proceedings: exploring
The Council of Europe publishes its new Strategy for the Right of the Child for 2022-2027
8 April 2022 On the 7 and 8 of April 2022, the Italian Presidency of the Council of Europe presented in Rome the new Council of Europe’s Strategy for the Right of the Child for 2022-2027. Children are specifically
FAFCE’s Open Letter to French President Emmanuel Macron: “Are we still free to protect life?”
Brussels, 21 January 2022 Dear Mr. President, Following your speech at the European Parliament on the occasion of the start of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we would like to express our concerns about
The Council of Europe condemns the harmful impacts of pornography
22 December 2021, On the 16th of November 2021, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of the Europe adopted a Resolution on the "Gender aspects and human rights implications of pornography", stressing the harmful impacts of pornography on women.
European Day to End Child Sex abuse : FAFCE stresses the urgent need of a safer environment for children
18 November 2021 On the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, the Council of Europe reminded the European countries of their international commitment when it comes to the fight abuse against children,
Council of Europe: Parliamentary Assembly calls for supporting parents in the prevention of child poverty and the post-pandemic socio-economic crisis
6 July 2021, On the 22nd of June 2021, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted two Reports and Resolutions at the Summer Session, focusing on the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. A Resolution on
