For many years now, the use of administrative detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe is increasing.

The Council of Europe (COE) defends and monitors human rights and the rule of law in its presently 46 Member States:

• ECHR and ECtHR: An important instrument is the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), enforced by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
• CPT: The Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) is the only European institution having a right to access detention facilities and premises in the 46 COE Member States.