Part II. European Law on Nationality and Statelessness CoE institutions and bodies The CoE of Europe has different bodies and institutions. Some of these are considered as relevant below. Two important bodies were already mentioned in this chapter: the Committee of Ministers (CM) and the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE).499 The CM (Chapter IV of the Statute of the CoE) is the decision-making body of the CoE and consists of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States (or their permanent representatives/deputies) and decides on the CoE’s policy. It furthermore supervises execution of judgments of the ECtHR by the Member States, and for instance determines what actions should be taken as regards recommendations from the PACE. The decisions of the CM are expressed in CoE conventions and treaties, which are legally binding on the states parties to them, as well as in declarations, resolutions and recommendations. The PACE, formerly the Consultative Assembly (Chapter V of the Statute of the CoE), is the deliberative body of the CoE and consists of members of parliament from the 47 member states of the CoE. It can recommend action to be taken, is a forum for debate, can monitor states and observe elections. Furthermore, the PACE for instance elects the Secretary General of the CoE, as well as the judges of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Although this body has no legislative power, it has played and continues to play an active and important role within the CoE. Other institutions and bodies of the CoE500 include the CoE secretary-general, elected by PACE for five years, responsible for the CoE work program and leading the organization. There is also the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, which works on strengthening local and regional democracy in the member states. The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights, also elected by PACE, can furthermore independently highlight human rights concerns, and the Conference of International NGOs connects the CoE’s work with the public and civil society. The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights, quoted at the start of this chapter, is a non-judicial institution that promotes human rights as enshrined in the CoE human rights instruments. It was established in 1999 and functions independently and impartially. To fulfi l the role, the Commissioner visits the CoE member states to evaluate the human rights situation, may conduct thematic work on topics important to human rights protection in the CoE, and raises awareness about human rights. PACE elects the Commissioner by majority, based on a list of three people made by the CM, and for a term of six years (see also CM Resolution 99 (50) on the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights). 499 500 98 For a more elaborate introduction to the institutions and bodies of the CoE, please refer for instance to Aline Royer, The Council of Europe (Council of Europe Publishing 2010). See also CoE, ‘Structure’ <https://www.coe.int/en/web/about-us/structure> accessed 24 May 2021. Intersentia