As part of the Council of Europe’s Wednesdays series, a conference was held on 14 May 2025 at the Lieu d’Europe in Strasbourg to mark the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. Titled The European Convention on Human Rights: 75 Years of Protecting Human Rights in Europe, the event brought together judges from the ECHR to reflect on the Convention’s significance and evolving nature.

Mattias Guyomar, President-elect of the Court and Judge elected in respect of France, opened the conference by reaffirming the Court’s commitment to safeguarding the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Convention. In his remarks, he reflected on the historical and institutional importance of this milestone, particularly in the context of current geopolitical situation, emphasizing that the Convention remains a living instrument in the service of human rights.

“The Convention belongs to each and every one of us,” said the President-elect, who also added: “We must be intolerant to human rights intolerance.”

Judge Alain Chablais, Judge elected in respect of Liechtenstein, focused on the Convention’s evolution through its Protocols, which have added one or more rights to the original Convention or amended certain of its provisions. He highlighted Protocol No. 11, which stablished the “new Court,” enabling individuals, non-governmental organizations, or groups of individuals to lodge applications directly with the Court and hold states accountable for violations. He also pointed to the major achievements of Protocols Nos. 6 and 13, which led to the abolition of the death penalty under all circumstances.

In closing, Judge Stéphanie Mourou-Vikström, Judge elected in respect of Monaco, underlined the Court’s responsibility to interpret the Convention in a way that speaks to all 46 member States. Citing landmark cases, she illustrated how the Court interprets the Convention to reflect present-day realities and societal values.