Ireland at the Council of Europe
Ireland was one of ten founding members of the Council of Europe in 1949.
Overview of Ireland's presence
Learn more about the Council of Europe and Ireland's role
Ireland's services to the Council of Europe
Irish citizens appointed to high-functions at the CoE
Ireland's financial contribution
Ireland contributes approximately €6 million to the Ordinary Budget
Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is the leading human rights organisation on the continent. Ireland was one of ten founding members of the Council of Europe in 1949. Ireland established a Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in 1999 under Ambassador Justin Harman.
The Council of Europe now has 46 Member States and 5 Observer States. Each of the Member States is a party to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
European Convention on Human Rights
Signed by Ireland in 1950, the ECHR was designed to safeguard human rights, democracy and the rule of law and has been the cornerstone of human rights law across the continent for over seventy years.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), a subsidiary body of the Council, oversees implementation of the Convention across the Council’s Member States
Ireland’s key role and presence in the human rights system
Ireland’s international engagement on human rights discussions enables us to reaffirm our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised.
Irish women and men have left an indelible mark with regards to Human Rights in Ireland and across the continent.
Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe
The respect and promotion of human rights continues to be a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Ireland actively works to uphold Council of Europe values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
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 Ireland of the Council of Europe 2022
Ireland was honoured to assume the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for a seventh time, from May to September 2022.
View some of the highlights of our six-month term in this video.