On 20 February, which marked the 50^th anniversary of René Cassin’s passing (1887–1976), the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, took part in a Day of Tribute organised in Paris by the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Conseil d’Etat, the European Court of Human Rights and the René Cassin Foundation.

The event featured a screening of archival footage of René Cassin, as well as speeches honouring his memory and legacy. In addition to providing a valuable overview of his works and struggles, the day also highlighted the various facets of the man himself. 

President Guyomar's speech focused on René Cassin's work as President of the European Court of Human Rights and his role as a “professor of hope”. The President structured his speech around five lessons to be drawn from René Cassin’s legacy: “There is no rule of law without the State”, “The foremost duty of every State is to respect and promote human rights”, “Humanism and universalism are inextricably linked”, “Never lock human rights in the tower of State sovereignties”, and “Organise world peace through respect for human rights.”

• Speech by President Mattias Guyomar (in French only)
• Former President René Cassin