The Council of Europe ministers adopted the Athens Declaration, a document saying that all exceptional measures taken by the Council of Europe states to fight the pandemic must be closely tailored to the present epidemic situation, proportionate, non-discriminatory, and applied only for as long as necessary. Effective parliamentary control is required in states that will announce a state of emergency. The Committee of Ministers stressed that the European Court of Human Rights has the right to assess whether measures taken by States Parties are in conformity with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The minister also said that on this year’s 70th anniversary of opening the European Convention of Human Rights for signing it must be recalled that the European Court of Human Rights is a key element in the system of human rights protection. But for the Court to continue playing this role, it needs to be universally respected. This is made possible by all States Parties’ efficient and full execution of the Court’s judgements. Poland believes that amid the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights guarding compliance with its principles are of major importance for respecting fundamental rights that underpin Europe.

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The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and today brings together 47 European states, except for Belarus. Japan, Canada, Mexico, the United States and the Holy See are Council of Europe observer states. The Council of Europe’s seat is in Strasbourg (France).

The Council of Europe focuses on the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It standardizes social and legal practices of member states, and promotes European awareness based on shared values and combating intolerance.

The adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights in 1950 and the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights, which guards the principles laid down in the Convention, are commonly considered as the most important achievements of the Organization. The Council of Europe is also active in areas that are not directly linked to human rights, such as social issues, as well as legal, cultural and scientific cooperation. Issues relating to the operation of local authorities have also fallen into the scope of the Council of Europe’s competence. A total of 225 international agreements concerning matters mentioned above have been signed under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

Poland joined the Council of Europe on 26 November 1991. It signed the European Convention on Human Rights on 19 January 1993, which is a necessary condition for CE membership. On 1 May 1993, Poland recognized the Court’s jurisdiction and the right to lodge an application before the bodies operating under the Convention. Poland also joined 96 other conventions adopted by the Council of Europe.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA