European Convention on Human Rights celebrates 75th anniversary

The Council of Europe was founded in 1949, a time heavily shaped by the Second World War and the extensive abuses that had been perpetrated against individuals in many European countries. One of its highest priorities was to create a legally binding document, based on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948, to prevent a recurrence of the brutality of the war. 

The contents of the European Convention on Human Rights were drafted soon after the founding of the Council of Europe. When the Convention was opened for signature on 4 November 1950 in Rome, it was signed by 12 of the Council of Europe Member States. A few weeks later, on 28 November 1950, the Convention was signed by an additional two Member States, one of which was Sweden. The Convention entered into force on 3 September 1953 after Sweden and nine other Member States had ratified it. 

The European Convention on Human Rights contains a number of rights and freedoms, such as the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression and association. To ensure that the rights and freedoms of individuals are observed in practice, the European Court of Human Rights was established. The Court examines both intergovernmental and individual complaints of violations of the Convention. The catalogue of rights has gradually increased over time through additional protocols to the Convention. 

Today, the European Convention on Human Rights is incorporated into Swedish law and has a direct impact on Swedish legislation and application of the law. The Convention is a cornerstone of European cooperation, and it is a crucial part of the protection of individuals’ rights and freedoms in Sweden and the rest of Europe. The Convention, together with the European Court of Human Rights, ensures that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are not just upheld but strengthened and defended in Europe today.