What is the European Court of Human Rights?

The European Court of Human Rights is an international court set up to ensure the protection of human rights in Europe. It was established in 1959 by the European Convention on Human Rights and is based in Strasbourg, France. The court’s main purpose is to ensure that the states signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights respect the rights and freedoms enshrined therein. The European Court of Human Rights consists of a plenary Court (the Grand Chamber) and a Chamber of seven judges. The court hears applications from individuals, non-governmental organisations and member states, who allege that a state signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights has violated a right or freedom protected by the convention. When a case is brought to the court, it is decided by the judges present in the Grand Chamber or the Chamber, and then a judgment is handed down. The judgments of the European Court of Human Rights are binding on all the signatory states and must be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. In Washington, the European Court of Human Rights is important as it provides a mechanism for protecting the human rights of individuals whose rights have been violated by the government. Furthermore, states are required to follow the court’s decisions, ensuring that human rights are respected and upheld.

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