Mannréttindasáttmálinn

Mannréttindasáttmálinn, also known as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), is a foundational treaty of the Council of Europe. It was opened for signature in Rome on November 4, 1950, and came into force on September 3, 1953. The primary purpose of the Convention is to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. It establishes a framework for the observance of these rights and provides for the European Court of Human Rights to enforce them.

The Convention enumerates a range of civil and political rights, including the right to life, freedom from torture, the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. It also includes provisions on the prohibition of slavery and forced labor, the right to liberty and security, and the right to respect for private and family life. Crucially, the Convention is a living instrument, meaning its interpretation by the European Court of Human Rights evolves to meet contemporary challenges.

States that have ratified the Convention are bound to secure the rights and freedoms outlined within it to everyone within their jurisdiction. If an individual believes their rights under the Convention have been violated by a member state, and all domestic remedies have been exhausted, they can bring a case before the European Court of Human Rights. The Court's judgments are legally binding on the states concerned. The ECHR has played a significant role in shaping human rights jurisprudence across Europe and is a cornerstone of the continent's legal and democratic order.