Presentation of the European Social Charter

What is the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe?

A Council of Europe treaty, signed in 1961, which protects human rights.

The Council of Europe is a political organisation, founded in 1949. Its aims are to guarantee democracy, human rights and the rule of law. All European states that are prepared to respect its principles may become members. Today, 43 states are part of the Organisation.

Human rights are imprescriptible rights which guarantee the respect of the fundamental dignity of the individual.

The European Convention on Human Rights guarantees civil and political human rights.

The European Social Charter, which guarantees social and economic human rights, is the natural counterpart of the Convention. Three Protocols were added to the Charter in 1988, 1991 and 1995.

Finally, in 1996, the revised Social Charter was opened for signature. It entered into force on 1 July 1999 and will progressively replace the first Charter.

At 21 February 2002:

All 43 member States of the Council of Europe have either signed or ratified the 1961 Charter or the 1996 revised Charter.

• The 1961 Charter has been ratified by: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

• The 1996 revised Charter has been ratified  by: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden.

• The 1961 Charter or the 1996 revised Charter has been signed but not yet ratified by: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Russia, San Marino, Switzerland, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" and Ukraine.