The Convention of the Council of Europe addresses all forms of human trafficking. It is a comprehensive treaty focusing on the protection of victims and the safeguarding of their rights as well as on preventing trafficking and prosecuting those responsible for it. In order to ensure effective implementation of its provisions by the Parties, this Convention provides for the setting up of an effective and independent monitoring mechanism which is capable of controlling the implementation of the obligations contained in the Convention.
The Convention is not restricted to Council of Europe Member States; it is also open for non-member states and the European Community.