Institutions and Structure of the European Human Rights System
last updated July 25, 2013
 
The European human rights system consists of three major inter-governmental organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Membership in each institution varies. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has the broadest regional membership, extending to North America. Currently, a number of countries from Central and Eastern Europe are applying for membership in the European Union. Generally, however, States with membership in one institution, such as the Council of Europe, are also members of another institution or are seeking admission.

The three European institutions all predicate membership on acceptance of the obligation to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. These obligations are defined by specific documents of the European organizations, such as treaties or resolutions. While the institutions and structures of the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation, are distinct from each other and have specific mandates, there is also collaboration across organizations.

In addition to the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Regional Cooperation Council plays an important role in promoting women's participation in developing stability and democracy in the South Eastern Europe region. The Regional Cooperation Council also emphasizes the promotion of civil society and partnerships between NGOs and state structures.

Included in this section are summaries of the structures of the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Regional Cooperation Council as they relate to protection of women's human rights, as well as a description of the main institutions that address violence against women.