Following the conclusion of the terrible conflict in Europe, the establishment of the Council of Europe was the first genuine result of cooperation between European states, which was to become a regular and increasing feature of European political life. The desire never again to witness the suffering and destruction of Europe, which had occurred in two terrible wars fought within thirty years of each other, was the impetus which led to the foundation, in 1949, of the Council of Europe, as an organisation to foster greater unity and co-operation between the people and nations of Europe. One of the stated objectives of the Statute of the Council of Europe was that every member of the Council of Europe must accept the principle of the rule of law and of the enjoyment by all persons within their jurisdictions of human rights and fundamental freedoms.