European Convention on Human Rights - Church of Scientology Human Rights Department

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was also the inspiration for the European Convention on Human Rights, one of the most important Conventions in the European Community. It was adopted in 1953 by the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organization established in 1949 and composed of 45 states that are members of the European Community. This body was formed to strengthen human rights and promote democracy and the rule of law.

The Convention is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Any person claiming to be the victim of a violation by one of the 44 countries in the European Community that has signed and ratified the Convention, may seek relief with the European Court. One must first have exhausted all recourse in the courts of that country and have filed an application for relief with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg within six months of the final national decision.