Book excerpt: This publication presents the work carried out in 2015 by the different bodies and sectors of the Council of Europe, highlighting its particular strengths and achievements. The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation. It comprises 47 member states, 28 of which are members of the European Union. All Council of Europe member states have signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the member states.