Useful Resources and Documents
The fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its Protocols are indispensable for the protection of human dignity, freedom, and justice. These rights require States not only to refrain from violating them but also to take positive measures to ensure their effective protection.
On this page, you will find concise and accessible explanations of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the ECHR and its Protocols. Each section is based on the relevant provision of the Convention and has been prepared in light of the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The aim is to provide a clear, practical, and reliable resource for both legal professionals and individuals seeking to understand and protect their rights.
ECHR and Protocols: Guide to Rights and Their Application
Text of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Obligation to Respect Human Rights (Article 1)
Right to Life (Article 2)
Prohibition of Slavery and Forced Labour (Article 4)
Right to Liberty and Security (Article 5)
Right to a Fair Trial (Criminal Proceedings) (Article 6)
Right to a Fair Trial (Civil Proceedings) (Article 6)
No Punishment Without Law (Article 7)
Right to Respect for Private and Family Life, Home and Correspondence (Article 8)
Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion (Article 9)
Freedom of Assembly and Association (Article 11)
Right to an Effective Remedy (Article 13)
Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 14)
Derogation in Time of Emergency (Article 15)
Prohibition of Abuse of Rights (Article 17)
Limitation on the Use of Restrictions on Rights (Article 18)
Binding Force and Execution of Judgments (Article 46)
Protection of Property (Protocol No. 1, Article 1)
Right to Free Elections (Protocol No. 1, Article 3)
Procedural Safeguards Relating to the Expulsion of Aliens (Protocol No. 7, Article 1)
Right Not to Be Tried or Punished Twice for the Same Offence (Protocol No. 7, Article 4)
Conclusion
Each right protected under the European Convention on Human Rights safeguards a different aspect of an individual’s life. It is therefore essential not only to be aware of potential risks of violations, but also to understand the legal remedies available when a violation occurs.
On this page, you can read explanatory notes under each individual right and, if you wish, download the relevant documents for further reference.
At the bottom of each page, the relevant document is available in PDF format through the “Download” link.
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