On 27 March 2026, the inauguration of the “René Cassin Room” and of the permanent exhibition René Cassin: Universal Patriot took place at the Court, paying tribute to René Cassin’s life, work, and lasting legacy.

In his address to the guests, the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, noted that the standing and influence of the European Court of Human Rights are also reflected in the celebration of the great figures who have shaped its history. In this context, he paid tribute to the contribution, legacy, and perseverance of René Cassin, the first French judge at the Court, its second President, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. After President Guyomar, Emmanuel Decaux, President of the René Cassin Foundation, and Laurent Fabius, France’s former Prime Minister, took the floor and reflected on the lasting legacy of René Cassin.

The exhibition, which commemorates the 50^th anniversary of René Cassin’s passing (1887–1976), offers a journey through his life and legacy, and is inspired by his multifaceted contributions to human rights and to peace.

The exhibition is built around René Cassin’s statement upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize: “There will never be peace on this planet as long as human rights are being violated in any part of the world,” a message that resonates strongly today. Two themes, “Humanism and universalism are inseparable” and “Peace through law and justice”, are also highlighted, drawing on Cassin’s writings and work. The exhibition can also be viewed online.

The original of the Court’s first judgment, Lawless v. Ireland, signed by René Cassin, as well as his manuscript of the first draft of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were also displayed during the inauguration. The event additionally featured the screening of a short film containing archival footage and photographs of René Cassin.

• Speech by President Mattias Guyomar (in French only)