Ministers from Council of Europe states met in Strasbourg Wednesday to address concerns aired by several key members that the European Convention on Human Rights is impeding the fight against illegal migration.

In May, nine EU states including Denmark, Italy and Poland urged a rethink over interpretation of the accord, echoing concerns long aired by non-EU member the United Kingdom.

The Council of Europe was set up in the wake of World War II as the guardian of human rights in Europe, with its member states -- who now number 46 -- signing up to its European Convention on Human Rights. Its implementation is overseen by the European Court of Human Rights, an instance of last resort.

But several states now argue that the convention and rulings of the court are acting as a brake in the figh

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