European Convention on Human Rights

On 4 November 1950 twelve nations, the Federal Republic of Germany among them, sign the „European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Basic Freedoms“. Its purpose is to aid in implementing the rights guaranteed in the UN’s 1948 General Declaration of Human Rights and in promoting a common legal foundation for the unity of European nations.

© Bidermann The „European Court of Human Rights“ in Strasbourg (Cour européenne des droits de l'homme)

To this purpose the convention contains not only a catalogue of rights and freedoms of the individual, but also establishes means for their preservation. In 1959 the „European Court of Human Rights“ will be established as its most important instrument. Not only nations, but individuals as well, can appeal to this body. By the year 2004, 46 nations have become signatories to the European Human Rights Convention.