Legal Definitions - European Convention on Human Rights

The European Convention on Human Rights is an international agreement established in 1950 to protect human rights. It created two important bodies, the European Commission for Human Rights and the European Court for Human Rights, which work together to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld.

For example, if someone feels that their rights have been violated by a government or organization in a member state of the convention, they can file a complaint with the European Commission for Human Rights. The commission will investigate the complaint and, if necessary, bring the case before the European Court for Human Rights. The court has the power to make binding decisions and order compensation or other remedies if it finds that a violation has occurred.

The European Convention on Human Rights covers a wide range of rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. It is an important tool for protecting the fundamental rights of individuals across Europe.