As China is neither a member of, nor has observer status with, the Council of Europe, it is at the worldwide level that the issue of respect for human rights by this country must be raised. In this respect, a concerted approach by all member states, particularly in the United Nations framework, in order to speak with one voice in favour of such respect, would certainly be an effective means of action. The annual exchanges of views organised under the auspices of the Committee of Ministers with experts from the capitals of the member states, covering human rights-related matters dealt with at the United Nations, offer a forum for such consultations. The Committee of Ministers can only encourage member states to use this platform for the universal defence and furtherance of human rights worldwide, in line with the action carried out by the Organisation on the European continent.