Statute of the Council of Europe facts for kids
| Type | Multilateral treaty |
|---|---|
| Signed | 5 May 1949 |
| Location | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Original signatories |
Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Ratifiers | Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |
The Statute of the Council of Europe is an important agreement signed on 5 May 1949. It is also known as the Treaty of London (1949). This agreement created the Council of Europe, which is a big international group for European countries. Its main goal is to work for "peace based on justice and international co-operation."
The Statute is like a rulebook for the Council of Europe. It explains the main ideas the group follows, such as protecting human rights, supporting democracy, and making sure laws are fair. It also describes how the two main parts of the Council work: the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly.
When it was first signed in 1949, ten countries were part of it: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Today, 46 European countries have signed and agreed to follow the Statute. Only Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Vatican City (also known as the Holy See) are not members. Russia was removed from the Council of Europe on 16 March 2022. This happened because of its actions against Ukraine, which went against the rules of the Statute. Russia was a member for 26 years and is the only country ever to be removed from the Council.
Contents
What is the Council of Europe Statute?
The Statute of the Council of Europe is a special document that officially started the Council of Europe. It was signed in London, England, in 1949. Think of it as the birth certificate and rulebook for this important organization.
Why was this Statute created?
After World War II, many European countries wanted to work together to prevent future conflicts. They believed that by promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, they could build lasting peace. The Statute was created to set up an organization that would help achieve these goals across Europe.
Who are the members of the Council?
When the Statute was first signed, there were 10 founding countries. Over the years, many more European countries have joined. Today, 46 countries are members. Each member country agrees to follow the principles and rules set out in the Statute.
Why some countries are not members
Most European countries are members of the Council of Europe. However, a few are not. For example, the Vatican City is not a member. Russia was a member for a long time but was removed in 2022. This was a very serious step taken because Russia's actions against Ukraine went against the basic rules of the Council of Europe.
How the Council of Europe Works
The Statute explains how the Council of Europe operates. It describes the roles of its two main parts:
- The Committee of Ministers: This is where the foreign ministers (or their representatives) from all member countries meet. They make important decisions and guide the Council's work.
- The Parliamentary Assembly: This group is made up of members of parliament from all member countries. They discuss important issues, suggest new ideas, and hold debates.
These two bodies work together to make sure the Council of Europe achieves its goals of protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
See also
- In Spanish: Tratado de Londres (1949) para niños
- List of Council of Europe treaties
