European Convention on Human Rights

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is a fundamental treaty for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. It was adopted in 1950 by the Council of Europe and came into force in 1953. The Convention has been ratified by 47 member states of the Council of Europe and has also been extended to non-member states.

The ECHR covers a wide range of issues related to human rights.

Some of the most important topics covered by the Convention include:

• Right to Life: The Convention guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.
• Prohibition of Torture: The Convention explicitly prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
• Prohibition of Slavery and Forced Labor: The Convention bans slavery and forced labor.
• Liberty and Security of Person: The Convention guarantees the right to liberty and security, as well as the right to a fair trial.
• Respect for Private and Family Life: The Convention guarantees the right to respect for private and family life.
• Freedom of Expression: The Convention guarantees freedom of expression, including freedom of opinion and freedom of information.
• Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion: The Convention guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
• Right to Education: The Convention ensures that no one can be deprived of the right to education.

In addition to the above, the Convention also covers other rights and freedoms, such as the prohibition of discrimination, the right to equality before the law, and the right to effective remedy.

The European Convention on Human Rights has played a crucial role in protecting human rights across Europe. The European Court of Human Rights, responsible for interpreting and applying the Convention, has issued thousands of judgments that have contributed to the development and establishment of human rights jurisprudence.