(POL) ECHR - Film o Europejskim Trybunale Praw Człowieka (Polish version)

Summary

The video discusses the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), established in 1959, to protect fundamental human rights in the wake of World War II. It highlights the court's role in addressing violations by member states, such as unlawful detentions, torture, and discrimination, with a focus on key cases involving issues like freedom of speech, torture, and access to justice. The court's influence extends beyond Europe, providing protection to non-European citizens under its jurisdiction. Despite receiving thousands of complaints annually, the ECHR remains a cornerstone in defending human rights, driving legislative reforms, and holding governments accountable for abuses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was established in 1959 to ensure human rights protection in Europe, with a focus on preventing atrocities similar to those of WWII.
• 😀 The court has jurisdiction over nearly 820 million people across Europe, including citizens of non-European countries under certain conditions.
• 😀 The ECHR processes hundreds of thousands of complaints annually, though most are dismissed at the preliminary stage due to inadmissibility.
• 😀 The court is independent, with judges selected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and its decisions are binding on member states.
• 😀 The ECHR has handled significant cases, including rulings on issues such as the death penalty, torture, and the right to life.
• 😀 The court has addressed discrimination, including cases involving homosexuality, such as the criminalization of homosexuality and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
• 😀 A key aspect of the court's work is ensuring the protection of rights for individuals, including those convicted of serious crimes, as part of human dignity.
• 😀 Member states are required to implement the court's decisions, with the Committee of Ministers overseeing compliance and ensuring that necessary reforms are made.
• 😀 The court can rule on cases involving actions outside a state’s borders, as seen in the case against the UK for actions in Iraq and Italy for deporting refugees to Libya.
• 😀 The ECHR is seen as a critical institution for human rights in Europe, with ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of its processes and ensure that states comply with its rulings.

Q & A

What is the main role of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)?

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) primarily ensures that the rights of individuals are protected in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. It rules on cases where individuals claim their basic rights have been violated by the state.

How did the ECHR come into existence?

The ECHR was established in 1959, as a part of the Council of Europe, following the atrocities of World War II. It was created to prevent such violations from occurring again and to ensure the protection of human rights across Europe.

How many countries are currently part of the Council of Europe and are subject to the ECHR's rulings?

Currently, there are nearly 50 countries in the Council of Europe, all of which are subject to the ECHR's rulings and are committed to upholding the European Convention on Human Rights.

What type of cases does the ECHR handle?

The ECHR handles a wide range of cases, including those related to torture, inhumane treatment, the right to life, freedom of expression, discrimination, and other fundamental rights violations.

What are some examples of cases where the ECHR has ruled against member states?

Examples include cases of torture, such as Greece being found guilty of torturing an illegal immigrant, or Italy being found responsible for deporting Somali and Eritrean refugees to Libya where they faced risk of ill-treatment.

How does the ECHR ensure that its rulings are implemented?

The Committee of Ministers, the executive body of the Council of Europe, oversees the implementation of the ECHR's judgments. They ensure that the states comply with the rulings and take corrective actions where necessary.

What is the principle of subsidiarity in the context of the ECHR?

The principle of subsidiarity means that the ECHR only intervenes in cases where the national courts have failed to provide an adequate remedy. It encourages countries to first exhaust domestic legal options before appealing to the ECHR.

Can the ECHR rule on actions taken by a country outside its territory?

Yes, the ECHR has jurisdiction over actions taken by member states outside their territory, as seen in cases such as the UK being held responsible for civilian deaths during military operations in Iraq.

What is one significant ruling related to the right to life?

One significant case involved Turkey being found guilty of violating the right to life due to repeated acts of domestic violence against women, where the state failed to protect the victims.

How does the ECHR address technological issues and freedom of expression?

The ECHR has ruled on cases related to the internet and freedom of expression, such as when Turkey was found guilty of blocking access to Google Sites, which violated individuals' right to access information.