From 18 November 2009 through 11 May 2010, Switzerland held the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the executive body of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe, which has its headquarters in Strasbourg, was founded in 1949. Today, it has 47 Member States, including Switzerland. The Council of Europe promotes human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.

Out of the more than 200 Council of Europe agreements, Switzerland has thus far ratified about half. The conventions form the basis for amending and harmonizing laws in the member countries. One of the most important agreements is the European Convention on Human Rights, which enables individuals to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

In addition to the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe has the following organs:

• the Committee of Ministers, comprising the Foreign ministers of the 47 Member States
• the Parliamentary Assembly, whose members which are appointed by the national parliaments
• the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, which is comprising representatives of the local and regional authorities of the member countries
• the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations, which consists of delegates from organisations that satisfy the accreditation criteria of the Council of Europe

Switzerland is represented in the Parliamentary Assembly by six members and their deputies and in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities by six local and municipal authority representatives and six cantonal representatives. In addition, like every country, it appoints a judge to the Court of Human Rights. Switzerland’s Permanent Representation at the Council of Europe maintains and coordinates official contacts and regularly reports on the latest developments.