doctype: treaty

identifier: CETS No. 225

openingPlace: Vilnius

publisher: Council of Europe Treaty Office

reference: CETS No. 225

title: Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

text: Council of Europe Treaty Series - No. 225

type: stycke

text: Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

text: Vilnius, 5.IX.2024

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories hereto,

text: Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between its members, based in particular on the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law;

text: Recognising the value of fostering co-operation between the Parties to this Convention and of extending such co-operation to other States that share the same values;

text: Conscious of the accelerating developments in science and technology and the profound changes brought about through activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems, which have the potential to promote human prosperity as well as individual and societal wellbeing, sustainable development, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, as well as other important goals and interests, by enhancing progress and innovation;

text: Recognising that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems may offer unprecedented opportunities to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law;

text: Concerned that certain activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems may undermine human dignity and individual autonomy, human rights, democracy and the rule of law;

text: Concerned about the risks of discrimination in digital contexts, particularly those involving artificial intelligence systems, and their potential effect of creating or aggravating inequalities, including those experienced by women and individuals in vulnerable situations, regarding the enjoyment of their human rights and their full, equal and effective participation in economic, social, cultural and political affairs;

text: Concerned by the misuse of artificial intelligence systems and opposing the use of such systems for repressive purposes in violation of international human rights law, including through arbitrary or unlawful surveillance and censorship practices that erode privacy and individual autonomy;

text: Conscious of the fact that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are inherently interwoven;

text: CETS 225 – Artificial Intelligence, 5.IX.2024 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Convinced of the need to establish, as a matter of priority, a globally applicable legal framework setting out common general principles and rules governing the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems that effectively preserves shared values and harnesses the benefits of artificial intelligence for the promotion of these values in a manner conducive to responsible innovation;

text: Recognising the need to promote digital literacy, knowledge about, and trust in the design, development, use and decommissioning of artificial intelligence systems;

text: Recognising the framework character of this Convention, which may be supplemented by further instruments to address specific issues relating to the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems;

text: Underlining that this Convention is intended to address specific challenges which arise throughout the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems and encourage the consideration of the wider risks and impacts related to these technologies including, but not limited to, human health and the environment, and socio-economic aspects, such as employment and labour;

text: Noting relevant efforts to advance international understanding and co-operation on artificial intelligence by other international and supranational organisations and fora;

text: Mindful of applicable international human rights instruments, such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1950

text: Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

text: (ETS No. 5), the 1966

text: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

text: , the 1966

text: International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

text: , the 1961 European Social Charter (ETS No. 35), as well as their respective protocols, and the 1996 European Social Charter (Revised) (ETS No. 163);

text: Mindful also of the 1989 United Nations

text: Convention on the Rights of the Child

text: and the 2006 United Nations

text: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

text: Mindful also of the privacy rights of individuals and the protection of personal data, as applicable and conferred, for example, by the 1981 Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (ETS No. 108) and its protocols;

text: Affirming the commitment of the Parties to protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and fostering trustworthiness of artificial intelligence systems through this Convention,

text: Have agreed as follows:

text: Chapter I – General provisions

text: The provisions of this Convention aim to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain appropriate legislative, administrative or other measures to give effect to the provisions set out in this Convention. These measures shall be graduated and differentiated as may be necessary in view of the severity and probability of the occurrence of adverse impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law throughout the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems. This may include specific or horizontal measures that apply irrespective of the type of technology used.

text: In order to ensure effective implementation of its provisions by the Parties, this Convention establishes a follow-up mechanism and provides for international co-operation.

text: Article 1 – Object and purpose

type: artikel

text: For the purposes of this Convention, “artificial intelligence system” means a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations or decisions that may influence physical or virtual environments. Different artificial intelligence systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.

text: Article 2 – Definition of artificial intelligence systems

ordinal: a

text: Each Party shall apply this Convention to the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems undertaken by public authorities, or private actors acting on their behalf.

type: punkt

ordinal: b

text: Each Party shall address risks and impacts arising from activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems by private actors to the extent not covered in subparagraph a in a manner conforming with the object and purpose of this Convention.

text: The scope of this Convention covers the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems that have the potential to interfere with human rights, democracy and the rule of law as follows:

text: Each Party shall specify in a declaration submitted to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe at the time of signature, or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, how it intends to implement this obligation, either by applying the principles and obligations set forth in Chapters II to VI of this Convention to activities of private actors or by taking other appropriate measures to fulfil the obligation set out in this subparagraph. Parties may, at any time and in the same manner, amend their declarations.

text: When implementing the obligation under this subparagraph, a Party may not derogate from or limit the application of its international obligations undertaken to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

text: A Party shall not be required to apply this Convention to activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems related to the protection of its national security interests, with the understanding that such activities are conducted in a manner consistent with applicable international law, including international human rights law obligations, and with respect for its democratic institutions and processes.

text: Without prejudice to

text: Article 13

text: and

text: Article 25

text: , paragraph 2, this Convention shall not apply to research and development activities regarding artificial intelligence systems not yet made available for use, unless testing or similar activities are undertaken in such a way that they have the potential to interfere with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

text: Matters relating to national defence do not fall within the scope of this Convention.

text: Article 3 – Scope

text: Chapter II – General obligations

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure that the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are consistent with obligations to protect human rights, as enshrined in applicable international law and in its domestic law.

text: Article 4 – Protection of human rights

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures that seek to ensure that artificial intelligence systems are not used to undermine the integrity, independence and effectiveness of democratic institutions and processes, including the principle of the separation of powers, respect for judicial independence and access to justice.

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures that seek to protect its democratic processes in the context of activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems, including individuals’ fair access to and participation in public debate, as well as their ability to freely form opinions.

text: Article 5 – Integrity of democratic processes and respect for the rule of law

text: Chapter III – Principles related to activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems

text: This chapter sets forth general common principles that each Party shall implement in regard to artificial intelligence systems in a manner appropriate to its domestic legal system and the other obligations of this Convention.

text: Article 6 – General approach

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to respect human dignity and individual autonomy in relation to activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 7 – Human dignity and individual autonomy

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure that adequate transparency and oversight requirements tailored to the specific contexts and risks are in place in respect of activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems, including with regard to the identification of content generated by artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 8 – Transparency and oversight

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure accountability and responsibility for adverse impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law resulting from activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 9 – Accountability and responsibility

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures with a view to ensuring that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems respect equality, including gender equality, and the prohibition of discrimination, as provided under applicable international and domestic law.

text: Each Party undertakes to adopt or maintain measures aimed at overcoming inequalities to achieve fair, just and equitable outcomes, in line with its applicable domestic and international human rights obligations, in relation to activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 10 – Equality and non-discrimination

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure that, with regard to activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems:

text: privacy rights of individuals and their personal data are protected, including through applicable domestic and international laws, standards and frameworks; and

text: effective guarantees and safeguards have been put in place for individuals, in accordance with applicable domestic and international legal obligations.

text: Article 11 – Privacy and personal data protection

text: Each Party shall take, as appropriate, measures to promote the reliability of artificial intelligence systems and trust in their outputs, which could include requirements related to adequate quality and security throughout the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 12 – Reliability

text: With a view to fostering innovation while avoiding adverse impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, each Party is called upon to enable, as appropriate, the establishment of controlled environments for developing, experimenting and testing artificial intelligence systems under the supervision of its competent authorities.

text: Article 13 – Safe innovation

text: Chapter IV – Remedies

text: Each Party shall, to the extent remedies are required by its international obligations and consistent with its domestic legal system, adopt or maintain measures to ensure the availability of accessible and effective remedies for violations of human rights resulting from the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: measures to ensure that relevant information regarding artificial intelligence systems which have the potential to significantly affect human rights and their relevant usage is documented, provided to bodies authorised to access that information and, where appropriate and applicable, made available or communicated to affected persons;

text: measures to ensure that the information referred to in subparagraph a is sufficient for the affected persons to contest the decision(s) made or substantially informed by the use of the system, and, where relevant and appropriate, the use of the system itself; and

ordinal: c

text: an effective possibility for persons concerned to lodge a complaint to competent authorities.

text: With the aim of supporting paragraph 1 above, each Party shall adopt or maintain measures including:

text: Article 14 – Remedies

text: Each Party shall ensure that, where an artificial intelligence system significantly impacts upon the enjoyment of human rights, effective procedural guarantees, safeguards and rights, in accordance with the applicable international and domestic law, are available to persons affected thereby.

text: Each Party shall seek to ensure that, as appropriate for the context, persons interacting with artificial intelligence systems are notified that they are interacting with such systems rather than with a human.

text: Article 15 – Procedural safeguards

text: Chapter V – Assessment and mitigation of risks and adverse impacts

text: Each Party shall, taking into account the principles set forth in Chapter III, adopt or maintain measures for the identification, assessment, prevention and mitigation of risks posed by artificial intelligence systems by considering actual and potential impacts to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

text: take due account of the context and intended use of artificial intelligence systems, in particular as concerns risks to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law;

text: take due account of the severity and probability of potential impacts;

text: consider, where appropriate, the perspectives of relevant stakeholders, in particular persons whose rights may be impacted;

text: apply iteratively throughout the activities within the lifecycle of the artificial intelligence system;

text: include monitoring for risks and adverse impacts to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law;

text: include documentation of risks, actual and potential impacts, and the risk management approach; and

text: require, where appropriate, testing of artificial intelligence systems before making them available for first use and when they are significantly modified.

text: Such measures shall be graduated and differentiated, as appropriate, and:

text: Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures that seek to ensure that adverse impacts of artificial intelligence systems to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are adequately addressed. Such adverse impacts and measures to address them should be documented and inform the relevant risk management measures described in paragraph 2.

text: Each Party shall assess the need for a moratorium or ban or other appropriate measures in respect of certain uses of artificial intelligence systems where it considers such uses incompatible with the respect for human rights, the functioning of democracy or the rule of law.

text: Article 16 – Risk and impact management framework

text: Chapter VI – Implementation of the Convention

text: The implementation of the provisions of this Convention by the Parties shall be secured without discrimination on any ground, in accordance with their international human rights obligations.

text: Article 17 – Non-discrimination

text: Each Party shall, in accordance with its domestic law and applicable international obligations, take due account of any specific needs and vulnerabilities in relation to respect for the rights of persons with disabilities and of children.

text: Article 18 – Rights of persons with disabilities and of children

text: Each Party shall seek to ensure that important questions raised in relation to artificial intelligence systems are, as appropriate, duly considered through public discussion and multistakeholder consultation in the light of social, economic, legal, ethical, environmental and other relevant implications.

text: Article 19 – Public consultation

text: Each Party shall encourage and promote adequate digital literacy and digital skills for all segments of the population, including specific expert skills for those responsible for the identification, assessment, prevention and mitigation of risks posed by artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 20 – Digital literacy and skills

text: Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as limiting, derogating from or otherwise affecting the human rights or other related legal rights and obligations which may be guaranteed under the relevant laws of a Party or any other relevant international agreement to which it is party.

text: Article 21 – Safeguard for existing human rights

text: None of the provisions of this Convention shall be interpreted as limiting or otherwise affecting the possibility for a Party to grant a wider measure of protection than is stipulated in this Convention.

text: Article 22 – Wider protection

text: Chapter VII – Follow-up mechanism and co-operation

text: The Conference of the Parties shall be composed of representatives of the Parties to this Convention.

text: facilitating the effective application and implementation of this Convention, including the identification of any problems and the effects of any reservation made in pursuance of

text: Article 34

text: , paragraph 1, or any declaration made under this Convention;

text: considering the possible supplementation to or amendment of this Convention;

text: considering matters and making specific recommendations concerning the interpretation and application of this Convention;

text: facilitating the exchange of information on significant legal, policy or technological developments of relevance, including in pursuit of the objectives defined in

text: Article 25

text: , for the implementation of this Convention;

text: facilitating, where necessary, the friendly settlement of disputes related to the application of this Convention; and

text: facilitating co-operation with relevant stakeholders concerning pertinent aspects of the implementation of this Convention, including through public hearings where appropriate.

text: The Parties shall consult periodically with a view to:

text: The Conference of the Parties shall be convened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe whenever necessary and, in any case, when a majority of the Parties or the Committee of Ministers requests its convocation.

text: The Conference of the Parties shall adopt its own rules of procedure by consensus within twelve months of the entry into force of this Convention.

text: The Parties shall be assisted by the Secretariat of the Council of Europe in carrying out their functions pursuant to this article.

text: The Conference of the Parties may propose to the Committee of Ministers appropriate ways to engage relevant expertise in support of the effective implementation of this Convention.

text: Any Party which is not a member of the Council of Europe shall contribute to the funding of the activities of the Conference of the Parties. The contribution of a non-member of the Council of Europe shall be established jointly by the Committee of Ministers and that non-member.

text: The Conference of the Parties may decide to restrict the participation in its work of a Party that has ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe under

text: Article 8

text: of the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No. 1) for a serious violation of

text: Article 3

text: of the Statute. Similarly, measures can be taken in respect of any Party that is not a member State of the Council of Europe by a decision of the Committee of Ministers to cease its relations with that State on grounds similar to those mentioned in

text: Article 3

text: of the Statute.

text: Article 23 – Conference of the Parties

text: Each Party shall provide a report to the Conference of the Parties within the first two years after becoming a Party, and then periodically thereafter with details of the activities undertaken to give effect to

text: Article 3

text: , paragraph 1, sub-paragraphs a and b.

text: The Conference of the Parties shall determine the format and the process for the report in accordance with its rules of procedure.

text: Article 24 – Reporting obligation

text: The Parties shall co-operate in the realisation of the purpose of this Convention. Parties are further encouraged, as appropriate, to assist States that are not Parties to this Convention in acting consistently with the terms of this Convention and becoming a Party to it.

text: The Parties shall, as appropriate, exchange relevant and useful information between themselves concerning aspects related to artificial intelligence which may have significant positive or negative effects on the enjoyment of human rights, the functioning of democracy and the observance of the rule of law, including risks and effects that have arisen in research contexts and in relation to the private sector. Parties are encouraged to involve, as appropriate, relevant stakeholders and States that are not Parties to this Convention in such exchanges of information.

text: The Parties are encouraged to strengthen co-operation, including with relevant stakeholders where appropriate, to prevent and mitigate risks and adverse impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the context of activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems.

text: Article 25 – International co-operation

text: Each Party shall establish or designate one or more effective mechanisms to oversee compliance with the obligations in this Convention.

text: Each Party shall ensure that such mechanisms exercise their duties independently and impartially and that they have the necessary powers, expertise and resources to effectively fulfil their tasks of overseeing compliance with the obligations in this Convention, as given effect by the Parties.

text: If a Party has provided for more than one such mechanism, it shall take measures, where practicable, to facilitate effective cooperation among them.

text: If a Party has provided for mechanisms different from existing human rights structures, it shall take measures, where practicable, to promote effective cooperation between the mechanisms referred to in paragraph 1 and those existing domestic human rights structures.

text: Article 26 – Effective oversight mechanisms

text: Chapter VIII – Final clauses

text: If two or more Parties have already concluded an agreement or treaty on the matters dealt with in this Convention, or have otherwise established relations on such matters, they shall also be entitled to apply that agreement or treaty or to regulate those relations accordingly, so long as they do so in a manner which is not inconsistent with the object and purpose of this Convention.

text: Parties which are members of the European Union shall, in their mutual relations, apply European Union rules governing the matters within the scope of this Convention without prejudice to the object and purpose of this Convention and without prejudice to its full application with other Parties. The same applies to other Parties to the extent that they are bound by such rules.

text: Article 27 – Effects of the Convention

text: Amendments to this Convention may be proposed by any Party, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe or the Conference of the Parties.

text: Any proposal for amendment shall be communicated by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to the Parties.

text: Any amendment proposed by a Party, or the Committee of Ministers, shall be communicated to the Conference of the Parties, which shall submit to the Committee of Ministers its opinion on the proposed amendment.

text: The Committee of Ministers shall consider the proposed amendment and the opinion submitted by the Conference of the Parties and may approve the amendment.

text: The text of any amendment approved by the Committee of Ministers in accordance with paragraph 4 shall be forwarded to the Parties for acceptance.

text: Any amendment approved in accordance with paragraph 4 shall come into force on the thirtieth day after all Parties have informed the Secretary General of their acceptance thereof.

text: Article 28 – Amendments

text: In the event of a dispute between Parties as to the interpretation or application of this Convention, these Parties shall seek a settlement of the dispute through negotiation or any other peaceful means of their choice, including through the Conference of the Parties, as provided for in

text: Article 23

text: , paragraph 2, sub-paragraph e.

text: Article 29 – Dispute settlement

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States which have participated in its elaboration and the European Union.

text: This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which five signatories, including at least three member States of the Council of Europe, have expressed their consent to be bound by this Convention in accordance with paragraph 2.

text: In respect of any signatory which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: Article 30 – Signature and entry into force

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may, after consulting the Parties to this Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, invite any non-member State of the Council of Europe which has not participated in the elaboration of this Convention to accede to this Convention by a decision taken by the majority provided for in

text: Article 20

text: .d of the Statute of the Council of Europe, and by unanimous vote of the representatives of the Parties entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.

text: In respect of any acceding State, this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 31 – Accession

text: Any State or the European Union may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

text: Any Party may, at a later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory, this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of the declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in said declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 32 – Territorial application

text: A federal State may reserve the right to assume obligations under this Convention consistent with its fundamental principles governing the relationship between its central government and constituent states or other similar territorial entities, provided that this Convention shall apply to the central government of the federal State.

text: With regard to the provisions of this Convention, the application of which comes under the jurisdiction of constituent states or other similar territorial entities that are not obliged by the constitutional system of the federation to take legislative measures, the federal government shall inform the competent authorities of such states of the said provisions with its favourable opinion, and encourage them to take appropriate action to give them effect.

text: Article 33 – Federal clause

text: By a written notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that it avails itself of the reservation provided for in

text: Article 33

text: , paragraph 1.

text: No other reservation may be made in respect of this Convention.

text: Article 34 – Reservations

text: Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 35 – Denunciation

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States which have participated in the elaboration of this Convention, the European Union, any signatory, any contracting State, any Party and any other State which has been invited to accede to this Convention, of:

text: any signature;

text: the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

text: any date of entry into force of this Convention, in accordance with

text: Article 30

text: , paragraphs 3 and 4, and

text: Article 31

text: , paragraph 2;

text: any amendment adopted in accordance with

text: Article 28

text: and the date on which such an amendment enters into force;

text: any declaration made in pursuance of

text: Article 3

text: , paragraph 1, sub-paragraph b;

text: any reservation and withdrawal of a reservation made in pursuance of

text: Article 34

text: any denunciation made in pursuance of

text: Article 35

text: any other act, declaration, notification or communication relating to this Convention.

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

text: Done in Vilnius, this 5th day of September 2024, in English and in French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe, to the non-member States which have participated in the elaboration of this Convention, to the European Union and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

text: Article 36 – Notification


identifier: CETS No. 226

openingPlace: Luxembourg

reference: CETS No. 226

title: Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer

text: Council of Europe Treaty Series - No. 226

text: Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer

text: Luxembourg, 13.V.2025

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories to this Convention, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between its members; Recalling the

text: Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

text: (ETS No. 5, 1950) and its Protocols and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights; Taking into account the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (Havana, Cuba, 27 August-7 September 1990); Taking into account Recommendation Rec(2000)21 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the freedom of exercise of the profession of lawyer; Taking into account Resolution 44/9 on the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, jurors and assessors, and the independence of lawyers, adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council on 16 July 2020; Underlining the fundamental role that lawyers and their professional associations play in upholding the rule of law, securing access to justice and ensuring the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; Noting with grave concern that lawyers are increasingly being subjected to attacks, threats, harassment and intimidation on account of their professional activities as well as to improper hindrance or interference when performing their legitimate professional activities; Condemning all such attacks, threats, harassment, intimidation and improper hindrance or interference; Considering the different manner in which the profession of lawyer may be organised in member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories to this Convention; Considering the need to strengthen the international legal framework to ensure the freedom to practise the profession of lawyer, Have agreed as follows:

text: CETS 226 – Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, 13.V.2025 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Chapter I – Purpose, scope and use of terms

type: rubrik

text: The purpose of this Convention is to strengthen the protection of the profession of lawyer and the right to practise this profession with independence and without discrimination, improper hindrance or interference, or being subjected to attacks, threats, harassment or intimidation.

text: This Convention establishes a specific mechanism in order to ensure an effective implementation of its provisions by the Parties.

text: Article 1 – Purpose of the Convention

text: This Convention applies to the professional activities of lawyers and of their professional associations.

text: included within the scope of a declaration made by another Party under

text: Article 20

text: , paragraph 1, of this Convention; or

text: doing so pursuant to the law of that Party, European Union law or international agreements.

text: The provisions in

text: Articles 5

text: to 9 of this Convention are, insofar as relevant to their specific situation, applicable to those lawyers providing, under their home title, legal advice, assistance or representation in a Party and who are:

text: any person who, in violation of

text: Articles 5

text: and 8 of this Convention, has either been refused the qualification of lawyer or a licence to practise or has had these revoked or suspended;

text: any person who is recognised by an international court or tribunal, or a body established by an international organisation, as competent to act in proceedings before it when advising on or acting in such proceedings.

text: The provisions in

text: Articles 6

text: (professional rights of lawyers), 7 (freedom of expression) and 9 (protective measures), paragraph 4, of this Convention are also applicable to:

text: The provisions in

text: Articles 6

text: , paragraph 3, sub-paragraphs b and c, and 9, paragraph 4, of this Convention are also applicable to persons employed or engaged by lawyers to assist them insofar as they contribute directly to the carrying out of the professional activities of those lawyers.

text: The provisions in

text: Article 9

text: , paragraph 4, of this Convention are also applicable to persons employed or engaged to assist professional associations insofar as the carrying out by them of the professional activities of those associations is concerned.

text: Article 2 – Scope

text: For the purposes of this Convention:

text: “lawyer” shall mean any natural person who is qualified and authorised, according to national law, to practise the profession of lawyer;

text: “client” shall mean any natural or legal person who is advised, assisted or represented by a lawyer;

text: “prospective client” shall mean any natural or legal person who seeks, whether directly or indirectly, to be advised, assisted or represented by the lawyer concerned;

ordinal: d

text: “professional association” shall mean a representative body to which some or all lawyers belong, whether directly or indirectly, or are enrolled and which has some responsibility for organising or regulating their profession under national law;

ordinal: e

text: “professional activities of lawyers” shall mean any action for the preparation or provision of advice, assistance or representation for a client or prospective client in connection with the interpretation or application of law, whether national, foreign or international, both in the Parties where they are established and wherever else this may be undertaken, including in connection with the proceedings and work of an international court or tribunal or a body established by an international organisation;

ordinal: f

text: “professional activities of professional associations” shall mean any action covered by

text: Article 4

text: , paragraph 2, of this Convention;

ordinal: g

text: “public authorities” shall mean:

ordinal: i

text: government and administration at the national, regional and local levels;

text: ii legislative bodies and judicial authorities insofar as they perform administrative functions according to national law;

text: iii natural or legal persons insofar as they exercise administrative authority;

ordinal: h

text: “prescribed by law” and “necessary in a democratic society” shall be understood within the meaning of the

text: as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights.

text: Article 3 – Use of terms

text: Chapter II – Substantive provisions

text: Parties shall ensure that the national legal and regulatory framework guarantees that professional associations are independent, self-governing bodies. Any election of their executive bodies shall take place in accordance with the applicable rules and without external interference.

text: Parties shall ensure that professional associations can: a promote and represent the interests of lawyers and of their profession; b promote and defend the independence of lawyers and their role in society; c elaborate professional standards of conduct and promote their observance, in accordance with this Convention; d promote access to the profession and the continuing education and training of lawyers; e co-operate with lawyers, other professional associations and international, intergovernmental or non-governmental organisations on matters of law and the practice of law, including the promotion and protection of the role of lawyers; and f promote the welfare of lawyers and assist them and their families where necessary. 3 Parties shall ensure that professional associations are consulted in a timely and effective manner on proposals by government for any change in legislation, procedural and administrative rules directly affecting the professional activities of lawyers and the regulation of the profession. 4 Parties shall ensure that any requirement to belong to a professional association does not preclude lawyers from forming and taking part in other associations to promote their professional interests and activities.

text: Article 4 – Professional associations

text: Parties shall ensure that admission, continued authorisation and readmission to practise as a lawyer are prescribed by law and are: a based on objective, relevant and transparent criteria that are applied through a fair process; and b not subject to discrimination on any ground prohibited by the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. 2 Parties shall ensure that decisions concerning admission, continued authorisation and readmission to practise as a lawyer are taken by a professional association or other independent body and are subject to challenge before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law.

text: Article 5 – Entitlement to practise

text: agree or refuse to accept any natural or legal persons as their clients and terminate the lawyer–client relationship;

text: have prompt and effective access to their clients and prospective clients, even when they are deprived of liberty;

text: be recognised as persons who are authorised to advise, assist or represent their clients;

text: have effective access to any relevant materials in the possession or control of the competent public authorities, courts and tribunals when acting on behalf of their clients without undue delay and restrictions;

text: have effective access to, and communication with, a court, tribunal or other similar body before which they are qualified to appear;

text: submit applications or motions on behalf of their clients, including with regard to the recusal of a judge, prosecutor or member of a body called upon to rule in a particular case and to the conduct of proceedings;

text: effectively participate in all proceedings in which they are acting on behalf of their clients;

text: inform the public about their services.

text: Parties shall ensure that lawyers can: a offer and provide legal advice, assistance and representation, including for the purpose of defending human rights and fundamental freedoms;

text: Parties shall ensure that lawyers shall not incur civil or criminal liability for oral and written statements made in good faith and diligently in the conduct of all proceedings on behalf of their clients.

text: can provide their clients or prospective clients with legal advice in private when meeting them in person;

text: can communicate confidentially with their clients or prospective clients, by whatever means and in whatever form such communication may take place;

text: are not required to disclose, surrender or give evidence regarding any information or material received, whether directly or indirectly, from clients or prospective clients, as well as any exchanges with them, and any material prepared in connection with either those exchanges or the conduct of legal proceedings on their behalf.

text: Parties shall ensure that lawyers:

text: No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of the rights established under paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this article, other than those prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society. Such restrictions can include, but are not limited to, requirements to ensure the availability of legal advice, assistance and representation to all.

text: Parties shall ensure that lawyers do not suffer adverse consequences as a result of being identified with their clients or their clients’ cause. This article shall be applied without prejudice to freedom of expression as protected by the

text: and domestic law.

text: Article 6 – Professional rights of lawyers

text: Parties shall ensure the right of lawyers to inform the public about matters relating to the cases of their clients, subject only to restrictions prescribed by law and that arise from professional responsibilities, the requirements of the administration of justice and respect for private life, and that are necessary in a democratic society.

text: Parties shall ensure the right of lawyers, individually and collectively, and of professional associations to promote the rule of law and adherence to it, to take part in public discussion on the substance, interpretation and application of existing and proposed legal provisions, judicial decisions, the administration of and access to justice and the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as to make proposals for reforms concerning these matters.

text: Article 7 – Freedom of expression

text: Parties shall ensure that the grounds for disciplinary action against lawyers are based exclusively on professional standards of conduct which are prescribed by law and are themselves consistent with the rights and freedoms in the

text: brought before:

text: an independent and impartial disciplinary committee established by a professional association,

text: processed expeditiously;

text: conducted consistently with the requirements for a fair trial under

text: Article 6

text: of the

text: and with the right to be advised, assisted or represented by a lawyer of their choice; and

text: subject to challenge by the lawyer concerned before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law.

text: Parties shall ensure that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers are:

text: ii an independent and impartial authority, or

text: iii an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law;

text: Parties shall ensure that any disciplinary sanctions imposed on lawyers respect the principles of legality, non-discrimination and proportionality. Any prohibition on the right to practise should only be imposed for the most serious breaches of professional standards.

text: Article 8 – Discipline

text: have access to a lawyer of their choice in the event of being deprived of their liberty;

text: can inform a representative of their professional association, without undue delay, about their deprivation of liberty, the legal basis for it and the place where they are held;

text: have an independent lawyer or a representative of their professional association present during:

text: any search conducted as part of a civil, criminal or administrative investigation or process of either themselves or any premises, vehicles or devices used by them for their professional activities; or

text: are informed about their rights in sub-paragraphs a, b, and c of this paragraph when being deprived of liberty, and before being subject to searches or the seizure or copying of documents.

text: Parties shall ensure, subject to restrictions that are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society for preventing, investigating or prosecuting crime or for protecting the rights of others, that lawyers:

text: ii the seizure or copying of documents, any other data and any kind of equipment used by them for their professional activities;

text: except where there will be no examination of the documents or data by those conducting the search or seizure;

text: Parties shall ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and observed when inspections or other measures are taken pursuant to the supervision of the profession.

text: having, through their representatives, effective access to lawyers deprived of their liberty, if the lawyers concerned so request;

text: being informed without undue delay about instances, of which law-enforcement authorities are aware, of lawyers being assaulted or killed where there are reasons to believe that this is on account of their professional activities and these instances have not otherwise been made public and where lawyers are not in a position to inform them themselves;

text: having the possibility of attending hearings in any proceedings brought against lawyers where there is reason to believe that this is on account of their professional activities.

text: Parties shall ensure that professional associations are able, subject to restrictions that are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society for preventing, investigating and prosecuting crime or for protecting the rights of others, to safeguard the rights set forth in this Convention, including by:

text: shall ensure that lawyers and their professional associations are able to carry out their professional activities and to exercise their rights under

text: Article 7

text: of this Convention without being the target of:

text: any form of physical attack, threat, harassment or intimidation; or

text: shall refrain from engaging in the conduct specified in sub-paragraph a of this paragraph; and

text: shall conduct an effective investigation into the occurrence of conduct specified by subparagraph a of this paragraph where there is reason to believe this may amount to a criminal offence.

text: Parties:

text: ii any improper hindrance or interference;

text: Parties shall refrain from adopting any measures or endorsing any practices that would undermine the independence and self-governing nature of professional associations.

text: Article 9 – Protective measures

text: Chapter III – Monitoring mechanism

text: The Group of Experts on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (hereinafter referred to as GRAVO) shall monitor the implementation of this Convention by the Parties.

text: GRAVO shall be composed of a minimum of eight members and a maximum of 12 members. Its members shall be elected by the Committee of the Parties, established by

text: Article 11

text: of this Convention, from among candidates nominated by the Parties for a term of office of four years, renewable once, and chosen from among nationals of the Parties.

text: The initial election of eight members shall be held within a period of one year following the entry into force of this Convention. The election of four additional members shall be held following the 25th ratification or accession.

text: the members shall be chosen according to a transparent procedure from among persons of high moral character, having demonstrated professional experience in the areas covered by this Convention;

text: no two members of GRAVO may be nationals of the same State;

text: the members should represent different legal systems;

text: the composition of GRAVO shall ensure a gender and geographical balance;

text: the members shall sit in their individual capacity and shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their functions, and shall be available to carry out their duties in an effective manner.

text: The election of the members of GRAVO shall be based on the following principles:

text: The election procedure of the members of GRAVO shall be determined by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, after consulting with and obtaining the unanimous consent of the Parties, within a period of six months following the entry into force of this Convention.

text: GRAVO shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

text: Members of GRAVO, and other members of delegations carrying out the country visits as set forth in

text: Article 12

text: of this Convention, shall enjoy the privileges and immunities established in the appendix to this Convention.

text: Article 10 – Group of Experts on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer

text: The Committee of the Parties shall be composed of the representatives of the Parties to this Convention and the Parties shall endeavour to reach gender balance in its composition.

text: The Committee of the Parties shall be convened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Its first meeting shall be held within a period of one year following the entry into force of this Convention. It shall subsequently meet whenever one third of the Parties, the President of the Committee of the Parties or the Secretary General so requests.

text: The Committee of the Parties shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

text: Article 11 – Committee of the Parties

text: Evaluation procedures shall be divided into rounds. GRAVO shall define the scope and the appropriate means to carry out this procedure, such as questionnaires which may serve as a basis for the evaluation procedure of the implementation by the Parties.

text: GRAVO shall receive information on the implementation of the Convention from the Party concerned. In addition, it may receive information on the implementation of the Convention from non-governmental organisations and civil society, professional associations, as well as from national institutions for the protection of human rights. GRAVO shall also take due consideration of information available from other Council of Europe instruments and bodies, as well as from other regional and international organisations, in areas falling within the scope of this Convention.

text: GRAVO may organise country visits, in co-operation with the national authorities and, where necessary, with the assistance of independent national experts, if the information gained is insufficient and there are no other feasible ways of reliably gaining the information or in cases provided for in

text: Article 13

text: , paragraph 2, of this Convention. Visits shall be subsidiary and restricted to the areas where GRAVO decides the information is insufficient and to cases provided for in

text: Article 13

text: , paragraph 2, of this Convention.

text: enjoy freedom of movement in the relevant jurisdiction;

text: Visits shall be conducted by a delegation of GRAVO. During visits, the delegation may be assisted by specialists in specific fields. During visits, the delegation should:

text: ii be able to have contact with State authorities;

text: iii not be prevented from meeting the persons they want to interview in private;

text: iv have access to the material relevant to the country visit.

text: GRAVO shall prepare a draft report containing its analysis concerning the implementation of the provisions on which the evaluation is based, as well as its suggestions and proposals concerning the way in which the Party concerned may deal with the problems which have been identified. The draft report shall be transmitted for comments to the Party undergoing the evaluation. Its comments shall be taken into account by GRAVO when adopting its report.

text: On the basis of all the information received and the comments from the Party concerned, GRAVO shall adopt its report and conclusions regarding the measures taken by the Party to implement the provisions of this Convention. This report and the conclusions shall be sent to the Party concerned and to the Committee of the Parties. The report and conclusions of GRAVO shall be made public as from their adoption, together with any comments by the Party concerned.

text: regarding the measures to be taken to implement the conclusions of GRAVO, if necessary setting a date for submitting information on their implementation; and

text: aiming at promoting co-operation with this Party for the proper implementation of this Convention.

text: Without prejudice to the procedure of paragraphs 1 to 6 of this article, the Committee of the Parties may adopt, on the basis of the report and conclusions of GRAVO, recommendations addressed to the Party concerned:

text: Article 12 – Procedure

text: If GRAVO receives reliable information indicating a situation where problems require immediate attention to prevent or limit the scale or number of serious violations of the Convention, it may request from the Party concerned the urgent submission of a special report concerning measures taken to prevent such violations.

text: Taking into account the information submitted by the Party concerned, as well as any other reliable information available to it, GRAVO may designate one or more of its members to conduct an inquiry and to report urgently to GRAVO. Where warranted and with the consent of the Party concerned, the inquiry may include a visit to its territory.

text: After examining the findings of the inquiry referred to in paragraph 2 of this article, GRAVO shall transmit these findings to the Party concerned and, where appropriate, to the Committee of the Parties, the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, together with any comments and recommendations. The report and conclusions of GRAVO shall be made public as from their adoption, together with comments by the Party concerned.

text: Article 13 – Urgent procedure

text: GRAVO may adopt, where appropriate, opinions on the implementation of this Convention.

text: Article 14 – Opinions

text: The Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe shall be kept periodically informed of the implementation of this Convention.

text: Article 15 – Relationship with other bodies

text: Chapter IV – Relationship with other international instruments

text: This Convention shall not affect the rights and obligations arising from other international instruments to which Parties to this Convention are Parties or shall become Parties and which contain provisions on matters governed by this Convention and which ensure greater protection for the right of lawyers to practise their profession freely.

text: The Parties to this Convention may conclude bilateral or multilateral agreements with one another on the matters dealt with in this Convention, for the purpose of supplementing or strengthening its provisions or facilitating the application of the principles embodied in it.

text: Article 16 – Relationship with other international instruments

text: Chapter V – Final clauses

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States that have participated in its elaboration and the European Union.

text: This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which eight signatories, including at least six member States of the Council of Europe, have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

text: In respect of any signatory which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: Article 17 – Signature and entry into force

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may, after consultation of the Parties to this Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, invite any non-member State of the Council of Europe, which has not participated in the elaboration of the Convention, to accede to this Convention by a decision taken by the majority provided for in

text: Article 20

text: .d of the Statute of the Council of Europe and by a unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.

text: In respect of any acceding State, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Any Party which is not a member of the Council of Europe shall contribute to the funding of the activities of GRAVO and the Committee of the Parties according to the modalities established by the Committee of Ministers.

text: Article 18 – Accession to the Convention

text: Any State or the European Union may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

text: Any Party may, at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings. In respect of such territory, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in this declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 19 – Territorial application

text: Each Contracting Party to this Convention shall, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, by means of a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, indicate the professional titles falling under the scope of this Convention for the purposes of

text: Article 3

text: , sub-paragraph a. This declaration may be modified at any later date and in the same manner. This declaration and any modification thereof shall not undermine the purpose of this Convention and the protection provided by it.

text: legislative bodies as regards their other activities;

text: Each Contracting Party to this Convention may at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, by means of a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, declare that the definition of “public authorities” includes one or more of the following bodies:

text: ii judicial authorities as regards their other activities;

text: iii natural or legal persons insofar as they perform public functions or operate with public funds, according to domestic law.

text: This declaration may be modified at any later date and in the same manner.

text: Article 20 – Declarations

text: Any State or the European Union may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, declare that it reserves the right not to apply or to apply only in specific cases or conditions the provisions laid down in

text: Article 6

text: in respect of

text: Article 2

text: , paragraph 3, sub-paragraph b of this Convention. No other reservation may be made in respect of the provisions of this Convention.

text: Any Party may wholly or partly withdraw a reservation by means of a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This declaration shall become effective as from its date of receipt by the Secretary General.

text: Article 21 – Reservations

text: Any proposal for an amendment to this Convention presented by a Party shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and forwarded by him or her to the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States which have participated in its elaboration, any signatory State, any State Party, the European Union and any State invited to accede to this Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 18

text: , paragraph 1. 2 Any amendment proposed by a Party shall be communicated to the Committee of the Parties, which shall submit to the Committee of Ministers its opinion on that proposed amendment. 3 The Committee of Ministers shall consider the proposed amendment and the opinion submitted by the Committee of the Parties and may, following consultation with the non-member States Parties to this Convention, adopt this amendment. 4 The text of any amendment adopted by the Committee of Ministers in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article shall be forwarded to the Parties for acceptance. 5 Any amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of one month after the date on which all Parties have informed the Secretary General that they have accepted it.

text: Article 22 – Amendments to the Convention

text: Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 2 Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 23 – Denunciation

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States which have participated in its elaboration, any signatory State, any State Party, the European Union and any State invited to accede to this Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 18

text: of: a any signature; b the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession; c any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Articles 17

text: and 18; d any amendment adopted in accordance with

text: Article 22

text: and the date on which such an amendment enters into force; e any declaration made in pursuance of

text: Article 20

text: ; f any reservation and withdrawal of reservation made in pursuance of

text: Article 21

text: any denunciation made in pursuance of

text: Article 23

text: any other act, notification or communication relating to this Convention.

text: Done in Luxembourg, this 13th day of May 2025, in English and in French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe, to the non-member States which have participated in the elaboration of this Convention, to any signatory State, to the European Union and any State invited to accede to this Convention.

text: Appendix – Privileges and immunities (

text: Article 10

text: This appendix shall apply to the members of GRAVO mentioned in

text: Article 10

text: of this Convention, as well as to other members of the country visit delegations. For the purpose of this appendix, the expression “other members of the country visit delegations” shall include the independent national experts and the specialists mentioned in

text: Article 12

text: , paragraphs 3 and 4, of this Convention, staff members of the Council of Europe and interpreters employed by the Council of Europe accompanying GRAVO during its country visits.

text: immunity from personal arrest or detention and from seizure of their personal baggage, and immunity from legal process of every kind in respect of words spoken or written and all acts performed by them in their official capacity;

text: exemption from any restrictions on their freedom of movement on exit from and return to their country of residence, and entry into and exit from the country in which they exercise their functions, and from alien registration in the country which they are visiting or through which they are passing in the exercise of their functions.

text: The members of GRAVO and the other members of the country visit delegations shall, while exercising their functions relating to the preparation and the carrying out of country visits, as well as the follow-up thereto and travelling in connection with those functions, enjoy the following privileges and immunities:

text: In the course of journeys undertaken in the exercise of their functions, the members of GRAVO and the other members of the country visit delegations shall, in the matter of customs and exchange control, be accorded the same facilities as those accorded to representatives of foreign governments on temporary official duty.

text: The documents relating to the evaluation of the implementation of this Convention carried by members of GRAVO and other members of the country visit delegations shall be inviolable. No stoppage or censorship shall be applied to the official correspondence of GRAVO or to official communications of members of GRAVO and other members of the country visit delegations.

text: In order to secure for the members of GRAVO and the other members of the country visit delegations complete freedom of speech and complete independence in the discharge of their duties, the immunity from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts done by them in discharging their duties shall continue to be accorded, notwithstanding that the persons concerned are no longer engaged in the discharge of such duties.

text: Privileges and immunities are granted to the persons mentioned in paragraph 1 of this appendix in order to safeguard the independent exercise of their functions in the interests of GRAVO and not for their personal benefit. The waiver of immunities of the persons mentioned in paragraph 1 of this appendix shall be made by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in any case where, in his or her opinion, the immunity would impede the course of justice and where it can be waived without prejudice to the interests of GRAVO.

text: Article 24 – Notifications