Ireland and the Council of Europe
Respect for, and the promotion of, human rights continues to be a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Ireland actively works to uphold the Council of Europe values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The European Convention on Human Rights is central to the work of the Council of Europe and is widely considered to be the cornerstone of human rights protection in Europe. The Convention binds its signatories, of which Ireland is one, to protect specified rights and freedoms.
The European Court of Human Rights hears applications from both individuals and member states on alleged breaches of the Convention. It is of particular importance to Ireland, given the vital role it plays in safeguarding fundamental rights. Ireland has also strongly supported efforts in recent years to reform and improve the working methods of the Court.
Ireland has also ratified a number of other important Council of Europe conventions, and participates in other important monitoring mechanisms of the Council including:
- The Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
- The Framework Convention on National Minorities
- The Group of States against Corruption
The Role of the Irish Mission
Members of the Irish Delegation monitor and actively participate in meetings of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies and in the work of the Council of Europe’s various rapporteur groups. The Mission acts as a liaison between the Council of Europe and participating States, and the Irish national authorities.
Presidency of the Council of Europe
Between May and November 2022, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers for the seventh time in the Council of Europe’s history.
While a lot had changed since the last Presidency in 2000, both domestically and internationally, Ireland’s commitment to human rights remains as firm as ever. It continues to form a central pillar of Ireland’s foreign policy and constitutes a broader framework for our approach to global engagement.
Ireland is proud to raise its voice to champion human rights issues of concern, defend the multilateral system and to work to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
As a founding member of the Council of Europe, Ireland sought to use our Presidency to reaffirm what President Higgins had called ‘the conscience of Europe’, advancing the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the continent.
Over the course of these six months, Ireland chaired more than a dozen meetings of the Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg, strengthening standards across a range of key areas, from media freedoms to the protection of human rights in conflict zones.
The Presidency also hosted more than thirty Council of Europe conferences, seminars and events across Strasbourg, Dublin, Galway, Kerry and Cork.