Ihmisoikeuskonvention

Ihmisoikeuskonventti, or the Convention on Human Rights, is a significant international treaty adopted by the Council of Europe. Its primary purpose is to protect fundamental human rights and freedoms. The convention, officially known as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), was opened for signature in Rome on November 4, 1950, and entered into force on September 3, 1953.

The convention is a living instrument, meaning it can be interpreted and applied in light of current social and legal developments. It is complemented by a series of protocols, some of which have amended or added to the rights protected by the original text. The core of the convention is the catalogue of rights and freedoms, which includes the right to life, freedom from torture, the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, among others.

A crucial element of the convention is the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg. This court hears individual applications alleging violations of the convention by member states. Individuals who have exhausted all domestic remedies in their country can bring a case to the court. The court's judgments are legally binding on the states concerned, making the convention a powerful tool for ensuring human rights protection across Europe. The convention has been ratified by numerous European countries, making it a cornerstone of the continent's human rights framework.