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| European Court of Human Rights |
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is an international court set up in 1959. It rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. Since 1998 it has sat as a full-time court and individuals can apply to it directly.
 In almost fifty years the Court has delivered more than 10,000 judgments. These are binding on the countries concerned and have led governments to alter their legislation and administrative practice in a wide range of areas. The Court’s case-law makes the Convention a powerful living instrument for meeting new challenges and consolidating the rule of law and democracy in Europe.
The Court is based in Strasbourg, in the Human Rights Building designed by the British architect Richard Rogers in 1994 – a building whose image is known worldwide. From here, the Court monitors respect for the human rights of 800 million Europeans in the 47 Council of Europe member States that have ratified the Convention.
The European Convention on Human Rights is an international treaty under which the member States of the Council of Europe promise to secure fundamental civil and political rights, not only to their own citizens but also to everyone within their jurisdiction. The Convention, which was signed on 4 November 1950 in Rome, entered into force in 1953. |
Not to be confused with:
Court of Justice of the European Communities
Based in Luxembourg, this Court ensures compliance with EU law and rules on the interpretation and application of the treaties establishing the European Union.
International Court of Justice
Judicial organ of the United Nations, based in The Hague.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Text adopted by the United Nations in 1948 in order to strengthen human rights protection at international level.
Charter of Fundamental Rights
European Union text on human rights and fundamental freedoms, adopted in 2000. |
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