Council of Europe Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Process

Summary

The Council of Europe's non-binding framework setting out standards for civil society participation in democratic decision-making. Defines four levels of participation (information, consultation, dialogue, partnership) and calls on member states to create enabling legal environments for civil society. The Venice Commission oversees implementation.

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora civil society organisations operating in Council of Europe member states can invoke this Code to advocate for institutional mechanisms enabling formal dialogue with governments on Tamil rights issues, humanitarian matters, and Sri Lanka policy.

Key provisions

• Para II.1 — legal framework enabling participation
• Para II.2 — registration and operation of CSOs
• Para III — four levels of participation (information, consultation, dialogue, partnership)
• Appendix 3 — guidelines on legal frameworks for CSOs

Primary source

Related entries

• → European Convention on Human Rights — Articles 10, 11 (Expression and Assembly) (ECHR)
• → ICCPR Articles 19, 21, 22 — Expression, Assembly and Association (UN)
• → Charities Act 2011 (UK)