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The European Court of Human Rights building in Strasbourg
Image: Winfried Rothermel/picture alliance

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

The ECHR is the international court of the Council of Europe (not the EU). It has sitting judges from each of the 46 member states of the Council and enforces the European Convention on Human Rights.

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News

April 18, 2024

Top European court upholds Lithuania's ban on Russian singer

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Anne Mahrer and Rosmarie Wyder-Walti, of the Swiss elderly women group "Senior Women for Climate Protection," talk to journalists

Swiss pensioners win European climate case

Swiss pensioners win European climate case

The landmark ruling in favor of Swiss seniors could have an impact on climate and environment legislation across Europe.
ClimateApril 9, 202402:26 min
Members of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) open a hearing in a climate change case involving six young Portuguese citizens against 32 countries.

6 young people sue 32 nations over climate inaction

6 young people sue 32 nations over climate inaction

The Portuguese activists and their lawyers are seeking to force European countries to accelerate their climate efforts.
ClimateSeptember 27, 202301:48 min
Siblings Sofia Oliveira and Andre Oliveira, two of the six Portuguese children and young adults set to take 32 European governments to court, pose for a picture at a beach in Portugal.

Climate trial opens at European Court of Human Rights

Climate trial opens at European Court of Human Rights

Six young people are suing governments across Europe, accusing them of not doing enough to stop climate change.
ClimateSeptember 27, 202301:28 min
A person wearing a mask waves a pink flag with a black lightning bolt. Other protesters stand in the background.

Lawyer unfazed by Poland abortion rights case defeat at ECHR

Lawyer unfazed by Poland abortion rights case defeat at ECHR

Polish women challenging Warsaw's abortion laws at the ECHR had their cases dismissed, but many more are still to come.
PoliticsJune 8, 2023
Swiss seniors protest outside the European Court of Human Rights

'Climate Seniors' take on Switzerland at ECHR

'Climate Seniors' take on Switzerland at ECHR

A group of Swiss seniors is taking their government to court over its failure to act on climate change.
Nature and EnvironmentMarch 29, 202301:18 min
The Russian flag is removed outside the Counil of Europe building.

What does Russia leaving the Council of Europe mean?

What does Russia leaving the Council of Europe mean?

Human Rights groups warn that victims of the Kremlin will now find it hard to hold Moscow accountable.
PoliticsMarch 17, 2022
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Poster in German with photo of Osman Kavala

Kavala case: A break with Europe?

Turkey is under pressure from the EU and a number of countries to release philanthropist Osman Kavala.
Human RightsOctober 22, 2021