75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights, signed in Rome on 4 November 1950, was the first instrument to crystallise and give binding effect to the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It lays down absolute rights which can never be breached by the States, such as the right to life or the prohibition of torture, and it protects certain rights and freedoms which can only be restricted by law when necessary in a democratic society, for example the right to liberty and security or the right to respect for private and family life.
A number of rights have been added to the initial text with the adoption of additional protocols, concerning in particular the abolition of the death penalty, the protection of property, the right to free elections or freedom of movement.
Conferences
Other events
Solemn ceremony and exhibition - 75th anniversary of the Convention
04/11/2025
On 4 November 2025, the European Convention on Human Rights marked its 75th anniversary.
Signed in Rome in 1950 by 12 member States of the Council of Europe, the Convention has contributed to creating a common legal and political culture of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law throughout Europe.
To mark the anniversary, the Court hosted a solemn ceremony.
Speeches were delivered by Mattias Guyomar, President of the Court, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta, and Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
- Speech by President Mattias Guyomar (in French only)
For those who did not attend the ceremony, the video of the event is now available.
- Video: English - French - Original language
To highlight the Convention’s enduring impact, the Court has organised an exhibition available for viewing both within the Court’s premises and online - showcasing its role in protecting human rights in Europe through its case-law.
Costa-Gavras’s film screened to mark the Convention’s anniversary
18/11/2025
On 17 November 2025, the ECHR and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in partnership with the Club de la Presse, hosted a screening of Costa-Gavras’s acclaimed film “Z” at the cinema “Le Cosmos” in Strasbourg to mark the 75th anniversary of the Convention.
Released in 1969, the film “Z” - which stands for «ζει» in Greek (“he lives”) - remains more relevant than ever, highlighting the fight for truth, justice, and democracy. Based on Vassilis Vassilikos’s novel “Z”, inspired by the assassination of Greek MP Grigoris Lambrakis in 1963, the film portrays the dynamics of political repression and complicity.
Mattias Guyomar, President of the ECHR, and Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly, delivered opening remarks while the film’s director Costa-Gavras addressed the audience online from Athens. Following the screening, a Q&A session was held, moderated by Anka Wessang, Director of the Club de la Presse.
Open Day 2025
Open Day at the European Court of Human Rights - 2025
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Human Rights Building, the European Court of Human Rights opened its doors to the public on Sunday 21 September 2025.
This day was an opportunity for visitors to discover the Human Rights Building, which was designed by British architect Richard Rogers and has received the French Remarkable Contemporary Architecture label.
The public has also learnt about the importance of the Convention, its history, the scope of the fundamental rights and freedoms it protects and its impact on individuals, and about the manner in which the Court functions, its field of activity and the challenges it faces.
- Press release
- Press release (in German)
Practical information
Date and time: Sunday 21 September, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: European Court of Human Rights, 1 Allée des droits de l’homme 67000 Strasbourg (Tram E, Bus lines C6, 30 and 72; Stop: “Droits de l’Homme”)
Prior registration is strongly recommended via the registration form to facilitate access to the building, but it is not obligatory. All individuals wishing to attend the Court’s Open Day on 21 September 2025 are very welcome.
Disclaimer: Please note that photos and/or videos will be taken at the event. The event may also be live-streamed. By attending, you may appear in photos, video or written content published through the Court's communication channels, including its website and social media, for the purpose of promoting its work and activities.
Privacy: The processing of personal data by the ECHR concerning this event is explained in the privacy notice.
Publications & videos
European Convention - A living instrument
The European Convention on Human Rights – A living instrument is a new educational publication which presents the Convention, its development and its Articles and Protocols in an easy-to-read style. The European Convention, a key instrument of the Council of Europe, is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2020.
The European Convention on Human Rights – A living instrument
European Convention
Since its adoption in 1950 the Convention has been amended a number of times and supplemented with many rights in addition to those set forth in the original text.
Video on the Convention
A short video presenting the main rights and freedoms in the Convention. Aimed at a wide range of viewers, this video is currently available in 38 languages. The Court wishes to encourage initiatives aimed at including this video in civic education programmes.
