Motion for a recommendation | Doc. 12842 | 23 January 2012
Accountability of international institutions for human rights violations
The Parliamentary Assembly pays tribute to the key role that international institutions (e.g., the United Nations, the European Union and NATO) play in strengthening and extending international co-operation in the human rights field.
At the same time, the Assembly recalls that member states of the Council of Europe must secure full realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms to all persons within their jurisdiction: Article 3 of the Organisation’s Statute and Article 1 of the European Convention of Human Rights. It would be incompatible with the ECHR if Contracting States were absolved from their responsibility under the Convention with respect to the exercise of powers which they have transferred to international institutions. The Assembly is convinced, therefore, that the duty to secure human rights concerns not only member states but also international institutions. The latter must also be accountable when they are involved in human rights violations.
Member states of the Council of Europe, which are also members of other international institutions should ensure that the latter accede to the ECHR and other relevant human rights treaties or reinforce, or establish where they do not already exist, credible human rights protection mechanisms offering a level of protection that is equivalent to these treaties, covering all activities for which they are responsible.
This subject merits priority treatment by both the Assembly and the Committee of Ministers.