The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is marking its 75th anniversary this year. The Council of Europe’s first convention is the cornerstone of all its activities. It was adopted in Rome in November 1950 and entered into force in 1953. Its ratification is a prerequisite for joining the organisation.

The European Convention on Human Rights was the first instrument to crystallise and give binding effect to the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the 46 Council of Europe member states. Individuals can bring complaints of human rights violations to the Strasbourg Court, once all possibilities of appeal have been exhausted in the member state concerned.

Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified the Convention in July 2002. Learn about the stories of individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina who fought for the protection of their rights thanks to the European Convention on Human Rights.

More information:

 Publication “European Convention on Human Rights – a Living Instrument”

 Learn more about the Convention’s impact per theme and country