A Commemorative Book about the Court was recently published to mark the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This work contains many hitherto unpublished photos and recounts the history of the Court in words and images. A copy of the original Convention text has been reproduced for the first time, and this is also the first publication to contain pictures of all the Court’s judges since its creation. In addition, case-law of major importance for Europe is presented through 47 cases, one for each member State, tracing their background and especially their impact in the various States parties to the Convention. Lastly, the book takes a look inside the Human Rights Building, which is itself an architectural icon and whose 25th anniversary is celebrated this year.

Cover and Contents

The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, better known as the European Convention on Human Rights, was opened for signature in Rome on 4 November 1950 and came into force in 1953. It was the first instrument to give effect to certain of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and make them binding.

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.

European Convention on Human Rights

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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.

Video Other languages