Established in 1959 the European Court of Human Rights stands before you. A beacon of justice in Strasbourg France. It interprets the European Convention on Human Rights. This ensures the fundamental rights of millions are protected.
The Court’s history is rich. It began hearing cases in 1960. Its first case was Lawless v Ireland. This landmark decision set a precedent for future cases. Initially access to the Court was limited. The European Commission of Human Rights controlled admissibility. This commission was later abolished in 1998. The Court then became a full-time institution. Individuals could directly submit applications. This drastically increased the Court’s workload.
The sheer volume of cases caused significant challenges. In 1999 8400 applications were filed. By 2009 this number had soared to 57200. A staggering 119300 cases were pending. Many were repetitive cases. These were similar cases already ruled upon by the court. The high volume threatened to overwhelm the Court’s capacity.
Protocol 11 addressed the backlog. It established the Court as a full time institution. The procedure was simplified. The length of proceedings was reduced. Yet the workload continued to grow. Protocol 14 was implemented to address this further. It aimed to reduce the workload. The court could now focus on cases that raised crucial human rights issues. The Court’s judges are elected for nine-year terms. They serve in an individual capacity. They are bound by strict rules of impartiality. The Court is assisted by a large registry. It is composed of lawyers administrative and technical staff and translators. The registry assists judges preparing cases. It also communicates with applicants the public and the press. The Court’s judgments are public. They are reasoned and must justify the decisions. They are binding on contracting states.
The European Court of Human Rights has had a profound impact. Its judgments have prompted governments to change laws and policies. It has improved human rights across Europe. Its rulings have increased human rights protections. The Court continues to play a vital role. It protects human rights in Europe.
The European Court of Human Rights is more than just a building. It is a symbol of hope. It stands as a testament to human rights and the pursuit of justice. It shows the commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms. Remember this as you leave.