European Convention on Human Rights – how does it work?

The human rights treaty protects the rights of more than 830 million people in Europe.

All 47 Council of Europe member states I signed up European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)An agreement designed to protect people’s human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Governments, parliaments and courts in each country are primarily responsible for protecting the rights set out in the convention.

However, European Court of Human Rights acts as a safety net. Individuals can bring human rights complaints against any of the 47 member states to the court in Strasbourg, after using every possible opportunity of appeal at national level.

If the European court decides that the applicant’s human rights have been violated, the country concerned to ensure justice to the individual. He may also need to take steps to make sure. The same thing doesn’t happen again. Actions taken by national authorities in response to court decisions are under the supervision of the Council of Europe. Committee of Ministers.