Appendix 5: Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on eradicating impunity for serious human rights violations (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 30 March 2011, at the 1110th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies) Preamble The Committee of Ministers, Recalling that those responsible for acts amounting to serious human rights violations must be held to account for their actions; Considering that a lack of accountability encourages repetition of crimes, as perpetrators and others feel free to commit further offences without fear of punishment; Recalling that impunity for those responsible for acts amounting to serious human rights violations inflicts additional suffering on victims; Considering that impunity must be fought as a matter of justice for the victims, as a deterrent to prevent new violations, and to uphold the rule of law and public trust in the justice system, including where there is a legacy of serious human rights violations; Considering the need for states to co-operate at the international level in order to put an end to impunity; Reaffirming that it is an important goal of the Council of Europe to eradicate impunity throughout the continent, as the Parliamentary Assembly recalled in its Recommendation 1876 (2009) on “The state of human rights in Europe: the need to eradicate impunity”, and that its action may contribute to worldwide efforts against impunity; Effective investigation of ill-treatment – Guidelines ► Page 118