For exactly half a century the Council of Europe, the political pan-European organisation based in Strasbourg, has been working to build a united continent founded on the upholding of freedom, democratic pluralism, human rights and states governed by the rule of law. Since its establishment in 1949 the Council has been an association of European states united in the aim of preserving and furthering democracy in the continent and has demonstrated its dedication to the spiritual and moral values which are the common heritage of its peoples. At present comprising forty-one member states, the Council of Europe has become in the course of its history not only an acknowledged institution attending to the human dimension of international affairs, but also a discussion forum for members of various political parties and non-governmental organisations. The Slovak Republic became a full member - the Council's thirty-first - on June 30th, 1933, through the passing of Committee of Ministers resolution no. 33/93 and the signing of the accession treaty. Its membership enables Slovakia's engagement in a wide spectrum of activities within what is a multilateral organisation, adding a new dimension to its presence on the international stage.