European Court of Human Rights

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is an international court based in Strasbourg, France, that hears cases related to human rights violations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Established in 1959, it allows individuals, groups, and states to bring complaints against countries for failing to uphold human rights standards. The court's decisions are binding for the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, meaning they must comply with the rulings. Its goal is to protect individuals’ rights and promote democracy and the rule of law across Europe.