The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is an international legal institution that provides for the application and interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It is part of the Council of Europe, an intergovernmental organization focused on promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in its member states.
The ECtHR functions as a final court of appeal for individuals who claim to be victims of human rights violations within the jurisdiction of one of the member states that have ratified the ECHR. It ensures proper adherence to the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Convention, such as the right to life, prohibition of torture, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and many others.
The Court consists of judges from each member state, appointed by the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. These judges are expected to act independently and impartially when considering cases brought before the Court. Individuals, non-governmental organizations, and even member states can bring cases before the ECtHR when domestic remedies have been exhausted, providing a safeguard for human rights protection.
The judgments of the ECtHR are binding on the states involved in the case. States that are found to have violated the Convention are obliged to rectify the situation, compensate the victims, and take measures to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future. The ECtHR plays a crucial role in safeguarding human rights in Europe by setting standards, promoting accountability, and helping to advance the understanding and protection of human rights within its member states.
