European Convention on the Legal Status of Children born out of Wedlock

The European Convention on the Legal Status of Children born out of Wedlock is a treaty (E.T.S. No. 85) adopted in 1975 under the auspices of the Council of Europe to harmonise the legal status of children born out of wedlock, and promote their equality with children born in wedlock, in the relevant legislation of the Contracting Parties. Accession is open to CoE Member States. As of 2024, it has been signed by 26 countries, and ratified by 23 countries.^[1] The Convention imposes an obligation on the Member States to eliminate discriminatory treatment of children born out of wedlock. The Council purposefully uses the term children born out of wedlock instead of illegitimate children.^[2]: 55 Historically, it is the first adopted multilateral treaty of this type.^[3]