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, publications and 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.
