The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is marking its 75th anniversary this year. The Council of Europe's first convention is the cornerstone of all its activities. It was adopted in Rome in November 1950 and entered into force in 1953. Its ratification is a prerequisite for joining the organisation.
The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the 46 Council of Europe member states. Individuals can bring complaints of human rights violations to the Strasbourg Court, once all possibilities of appeal have been exhausted in the member state concerned. The European Union is preparing to sign the European Convention on Human Rights, creating a common European legal space for over 700 million citizens.
Find out here how the Convention has impacted your country.
