An Introduction To The European Convention On Human Rights

The model system created by the European Convention on Human Rights is internationally renowned. The rights it protects are among the most important, covering not only civil and political rights, but also certain social and economic rights, such as the right to respect for personal possessions. The European Court of Human Rights stands at the heart of the protection mechanism guaranteeing these rights. It is now an entirely judicial system since the adoption and entry into force of Protocol No. 11, which reorganised the whole system and extended the Court's jurisdiction. The Court's excessive caseload is a problem, though, and this has led to the further improvements contained in Protocol No. 14, designed to strengthen the operation and effectiveness of the Court.

"Respect for human rights lies at the heart of what it means to be European" (Martyn Bond) The right to life, prohibition of torture, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, the right to marriage... Did you know that these rights and many others are protected by the European Convention on Human Rights? The author of this book illustrates each of these rights in a simple and clear way, using specific examples. He also sets the action of the European Court of Human Rights in the wider context ofCouncil of Europe activities pursuing the same ideals. Martyn Bond is a journalist who has reported from London, Brussels, Strasbourg and Berlin. He is also a former European civil servant. Over the past half century he has witnessed and reported on many of the events that have shocked or amused, delighted or disturbed European readers, listeners and viewers. He firmly believes that respect for human rights lies at the heart of what it means to be European.

3.3. Procedure of the Court

The European Convention on Human Rights guarantees equality among human beings by means of two provisions that prohibit discrimination: On the one hand, Article 14 of the Convention, ratified by all member states of the Council of Europe; and, On the other hand, The first article of Protocol No. 12, ratified by only some of the members. The content of the prohibition laid down by these two provisions is the same, The only difference is in the extent of their scope: whereas Article 14 prohibits discrimination in the "enjoyment of rights and freedoms set forth by the present Convention", The first article of Protocol No. 12 prohibits discrimination in a broader sense in the "enjoyment of all rights set forth by law". This study proposes an insight into the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on discrimination with respect both To The main principles which guide its implementation and To The specific solutions which the Court has adopted in relation to discrimination. Other questions examined include the scope of the prohibition of discrimination (to what does it apply?), The question of the content of such a prohibition (what precise obligations does it imply?), and last, The question of a judicial review (how does the Court assess compliance with it?).The "Human rights files" series is aimed at specialists in European law: lawyers, practitioners and research students. it also constitutes a useful resource For The implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights in the signatory states.

This third edition of the Short Guide, which covers developments to the end of 2003, provides a concise overview of the basic rights guaranteed by the Council of Europe's Convention on Human Rights, and the case-law relating to these rights. The publication also details the procedures followed by the European Court of Human Rights when handling applications under the Convention, and the role of the Committee of Ministers as a supervisory organ in giving force to the judgments of the Court.

Now available as an ebook for the first time, the fourth edition of this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the most advanced international human rights system in the world – the European Convention on Human Rights. Full account is taken of developments to the Convention case law and the supervisory arrangements in the form of Protocol No. 11, together with relevant developments outside Strasbourg, including the human rights aspects of the EU and the Organisation for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE). Reviews the new European Court of Human Rights, set up in 1998, and contrasts it with the original arrangements for supervising the Convention. Examines the relations between the Convention and other human rights arrangements, such as the OSCE and the European Social Charter. A valuable title in the Melland Schill Studies in International Law series.

Just what are your human rights, and how does the Council of Europe protect them? This small book tells the story simply and clearly, making a complicated issue straightforward. It offers examples illustrating each right in the European Convention on Human Rights, and short explanations placing the European Court of Human Rights in the wider context of other Council of Europe activities that also promote the same ideals. As informed citizens of Europe, we all need to be aware of human rights and of the importance of maintaining and promoting them. Europe has a good story to tell about human rights and this book tells it.